More than 20,000 people visited Ports of Auckland yesterday to celebrate Auckland Anniversary Weekend and the eighth year of SeePort.
Aucklanders danced under a bright sky alight with fireworks on Captain Cook wharf on Sunday night.
Typically, a three-day celebration of Auckland city's beautiful waterfront and rich maritime heritage, the event was this year condensed into one day of on-wharf activities, including sold out bus tours of the port, and a one-night-only concert featuring the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Mema Wilda, White Chapel Jak and an array of other local talent, culminating with Sweet Mix Kids and some of the best fireworks in town!
"While we had to reduce the scale of SeePort this year, we are thrilled to have welcomed more than 20,000 people behind the red fence and onto the port wharves. SeePort is a fantastic opportunity to host Aucklanders and visitors, so they can learn about our port and partners, and most importantly have some fun" says Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO.
"We are proud to put on this free event for Aucklanders following a year that has highlighted how critical our nation's supply chain is. Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, it was important for us to still deliver a free, family event in Tāmaki Makaurau", says Gibson.
It was Aucklander Hazel Meadows' first time attending SeePort and she will be back again next year. "I wasn't sure what to expect. There was such a mix of entertainment. It was great to see the crowd dancing the jig to the Navy band and then singing along with White Chapel Jak. The fireworks were awesome. So good of the port to put that on. I'll definitely be back."
Ports of Auckland was proud to once again have the Royal New Zealand Navy join as the event's major supporting partner. The HMNZS MANAWANUI had her first Auckland open day on Captain Cook wharf, alongside a raft of other Defence Force displays.
This year the SeePort Concert & Fireworks was part of Summernova Festival, an events and activations festival series supported by Auckland Unlimited to wrap around the 36th America's Cup presented by Prada.
It's important for the city and her port to work together to support the people of Auckland. Flexing the port's operational footprint, balancing supply chain demands, and public access is challenging, but worth the effort when it can give Aucklanders more of the public events they love.
Ports of Auckland looks forward to hosting the upcoming Lantern Festival on Captain Cook and Marsden Wharves 25-28 February as the final instalment of summer festivals following the successes of Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival and SeePort Concert & Fireworks.
ENDS
VISUALS: High-res photography of SeePort Concert & Fireworks, including the fireworks, White Chapel Jak and the ASO are available in this google drive.
For further information contact:
Matt Ball
GM PR & Communications
M: +64 21 495 645
E: [email protected]
