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New global car park cycling series hits New Zealand on Sunday

A new global car park cycling series hits New Zealand for the first time this Sunday.

Being held in the eight story Innovation Car Park building in central Christchurch it features 120 cyclists racing up to a party on the roof with a DJ and band.

“After two massive events in Europe we are really excited to have the third event in the series in Christchurch,” event organiser John McKenzie from enthuse media & events said.

“It’s the only event in the series in the Southern hemisphere and it is a key Movember men’s health fund raiser so we hope loads of people will come down to watch the riding and be part of what will be a pretty cool atmosphere, enjoying an ice cold beer, bubbles, gourmet burgers, DJ and band all from the eighth floor bar watching the sunset over the Christchurch city skyline.”

Local DJ Vlad Nanevski will be pumping out the music with covers band The Mule providing the entertainment for the after party on the top floor of the car park building.

The exciting cycling will see rider’s go head to head in a series of knock out races after a first round qualifying individual time trial.

“It’s going to be such a cool event with amazing atmosphere so it has wide ranging appeal as a great night out,” McKenzie said. “You definitely don’t have to be a cyclist or cycling fan to enjoy the event. There hasn’t been an event like this in New Zealand ever. It’s also a chance to celebrate the new inner city we have in Christchurch. There’s a lot going on and it’s just getting better.”

at the event who have made an effort to grow a moustache to raise money for Movember will have the opportunity to have a hot shave, just one of the evening’s entertainment elements. The event has no charge to attend but there will be an opportunity to donate to Movember on the night.

McKenzie says he’s passionate about men’s health and raising some funds for Movember. “My dad had prostate cancer and in Christchurch we lost a well-known and respected member of our cycling community this year to cancer. Men’s health is in crisis and I want to do my bit. Organising the Urology Associates Car Park Cannon Ball is part of my effort.”

There will be range of hospitality options available featuring Dutch craft beer aBLOC, a bicycle beer targeted at the cycling market that is not yet available in New Zealand but is using the event as a market tester.

“Riding a bloc means going flat out,” John said. “The goal of aBLOC is to unite cyclists around the world and celebrate the beauty of cycling and one way to do that is with cool events, where you ride hard and share some stories over a beer afterwards. The Urology Associates Car Park Cannon Ball brings together two of our favourite worlds, cycling and craft beer, and it’s pretty special to have aBLOC in New Zealand for the first time at our event .”

The event has four categories, fixed gear and geared bikes in male and female grades. The first qualifying round that will see riders ride up solo to record a time and then the following rounds will be knockout heading towards a grand finale. Registration is from five o’clock with the racing starting at six thirty.

“Two riders, eights floors and a wall of sound; its urban life meeting urban bike riders. It’s definitely a bike event but not as you know it and its going to be pretty special.”

Business Confidence Falls

A Chamber survey of businesses in the Auckland Region reveals that business confidence has fallen dramatically.When questioned on their view of the NZ economy in the next six months, only 18% believed it would improve and 33% believed it…

Business Confidence Falls

A Chamber survey of businesses in the Auckland Region reveals that business confidence has fallen dramatically.When questioned on their view of the NZ economy in the next six months, only 18% believed it would improve and 33% believed it…

New Zealand Business news 2017-11-23 17:30:35

AUCKLAND, 20 NOVEMBER: AVANI Hotels & Resorts is looking for the ultimate Auckland insider, willing to swap their knowledge of secret breakkie spots, local boutiques and unforgettable outdoor experiences in a world-first Keys to the City experience. Four lucky locals will be chosen to become AVANIme guides.
Upscale contemporary hotel brand, AVANI Hotels & Resorts is making the move south and is on the hunt for four local Auckland aficionados to join the Keys to the City experience. Applicants must have insider knowledge – ready to keep guests immersed in back alley bars, quirky experiences and local culture.

The four chosen local explorers will be connected with hotel guests in real time via the world’s first Keys to the City experience at AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences. Guests can use their mobile phone to scan a Facebook Messenger code on their room key and chat to experts any time they need a city recommendation.

Successful applicants for the Keys to the City Campaign will be joining Auckland- based blogger and influencer, Makaia Carr and all need to meet one criteria – they must live and breathe all things Auckland!
Makaia Carr is the founder behind NZ’s most successful fitness community, Motivate Me NZ. She began to climb the ranks of social influence in 2012 when she started documenting her journey to a healthier lifestyle, while juggling motherhood, marriage, schedules and a busy household. Makaia started a Facebook page, Motivate Me NZ, and used it as a platform to connect with other like-minded Kiwis around the country. Within a few short months, the community had grown by tens of thousands.

Makaia sold the Motiviate Me NZ business in early 2017 and re-branded her social pages. She still shares snaps of her daily life and struggles as she takes steps towards a healthy, balanced lifestyle, inspiring her hundred-thousand strong following to do the same.

Makaia Carr, says: “I’ve lived in Auckland for seven years and know the place like the back of my hand. We want to find locals with just as much passion for this beautiful place. If you know where to find those hidden gems and secret spots that really make this city special, get involved!”

Kira Klein, Director of Marketing and Brand Loyalty at Minor Hotels, says: “We are eager to see how many self-proclaimed Auckland experts are keen to come on board and share their tips on the best places to eat, drink, shop and play with our guests.”

“We are all about giving guests the details that matter and with our AVANIMe initiative we have successfully partnered with bloggers and experts to share their experiences of our destinations, so our guests can experience the best inside and outside our hotels. We thought we’d take it one step further for the launch of AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences and include local explorers too,” added Klein.
AVANI Metropolis Auckland opened its doors on the 1st of November 2017 following an extensive refurbishment programme. The upscale One and Two Bedroom Residences feature spacious lounge and dining areas, well-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, and boasts impressive stunning views of the city skyline, harbour and beyond. Leisure facilities include a 22-metre heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym facilities and steam room.

To apply, applicants can go to AVANI Metropolis Auckland Facebook page and share why they deserve to be an Auckland Keys to the City guide. The most creative answers go in to a draw to win an overseas AVANI experience.

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