NZME's new building gets official opening

One of Auckland's biggest corporate relocations is about to begin, as 850 people shift into the new NZME Central headquarters at 151 Victoria St.

PM John Key led the official opening of the building yesterday, welcoming the business whose brands include the Herald and Newstalk ZB.

"Congratulations to NZME for the investment they have made in the building and the courage to put together a series of different companies," Key said, noting New Zealand's media scene was changing at a ferocious pace.

Prime Minister John Key during the official opening of the new NZME Central building in Auckland City. Photo / Dean Purcell

Proceedings began with a karanga and powhiri at the building, developed and owned by private investor Mansons TCLM.

Key recalled that during his time at Merrill Lynch, a large corporate relocation was undertaken "and it blended the cultures".

That was never easy, he said.

NZME will now begin moving the first groups of staff into the building, including teams from The Radio Network, NZME's digital operations and the daily deal website Grab One.

Prime Minister John Key during the official opening of the new NZME Central building. Photo / Dean Purcell

The building has a 20m-high lobby atrium bringing in light and it has been designed to a 5-Green star rating, offering energy savings.

NZME chief executive Jane Hastings said staff had examined the best newsrooms in the world before developing the newly integrated news operation.

The official opening of the new NZME Central building in Auckland City. Photo / Dean Purcell

She welcomed members of the APN board at the event, compered by Kerre McIvor, who was standing in for an unwell Mike Hosking.

Key signed a visitors book which will also be signed by business leaders, celebrities and music artists, and their signatures will be transposed into a large mural in the building.