Wynyard Quarter turns nine

Saturday, 8 August saw a birthday bash take place in Wynyard Quarter, planned in collaboration with friends across the waterfront who we’ve worked with for many years. Cate Dine exhibited her thought-provoking artwork of plastic waste found on the beach, AK Samba partied up and down North Wharf alongside some party-goers, and many a game of connect four was played at the Auckland Libraries Waka while companions lounged about and read a book or two. 

We were treated to a routine drill by Fire and Emergency NZ, who ran several training operations down Silo 6. The drill exercises included rescuing a patient via a stretcher and saving a painter from being stuck on a painting caddy on one of the silos. Certainly action packed!  

The pièce de résistance of the event, however, was the Auld Mug itself, the America's Cup. The oldest trophy in the international sporting world. On loan to us from Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and of course, America's Cup Events Ltd, it drew fans and spectators from all around, and many a photo was taken with it. The Cup came with two bodyguards and two companions keeping a watchful eye - a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and, of course, Norm the security guard with the gloves, who has been tasked with looking after the cup whenever New Zealand holds it, and the only person allowed to touch it.

All in all a fantastic day was had by all, topped off (for us, at least) with a scoop of gelato from our friends at Gelatiamo on North Wharf.