Credit where due - but at the Viaduct?

By ANGELA GREGORY

American Express may have bought the naming rights to the Viaduct Harbour, but most people in the area want to stick with the original.

Workers, tourists and locals approached by the Herald yesterday were largely unaware of the name change to American Express Harbour, and those who knew thought it would never stick.

The credit card giant was late last month confirmed as the naming rights sponsor for the home of the America' Cup defence on Auckland's central city waterfront.

The rights were sold for an undisclosed amount by the cup organisers for 2 1/2 years.

Few signs displaying the new name were spotted on the waterfront, and the public response to the deal was similarly low-key.

Nearby office worker Craig Saunders said: "It will still be the Viaduct to me and my friends, no matter what else anyone calls it. That name is quite entrenched.

"I have no objection to the deal, but would like to see some of the money spent on blocking out the remaining views of the ugly oil tanks."

Likewise, Viaduct Harbour apartment owner Karine Thomas said the name change would make no difference to Aucklanders, "but if it means more money will be put back into upgrading the facilities, all the better."

"I'm in the hotel industry and after years of name changes, many hotels are still referred to by their original names."

But Viaduct cafe worker Alistair Alp was less than impressed.

"I object to the whole globalisation surrounding this - it is going too far. The Viaduct Basin represents Auckland, not American Express."

He found an ally in American tourist Jim Hawkins.

"We will rename just about anything on land in the States where enough money is involved ... but I think even Americans would find renaming a harbour area offensive. We try out some of our worst ideas in foreign places."

Sue Simmons, from the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, said she was not precious about what the harbour might be called officially.

"Realistically, sponsorship is part of the deal. We love the water, but I'm not bothered.

"The development of this area has been great and I am often bringing out-of-towners down here," she said.

"Anything that helps this area succeed is good."

High-profile Viaduct restaurateur Leo Molloy also saw nothing to worry about.

"Personally, I would prefer to see it called Leoland, because I own just about half of it.

"I don't care - whatever makes the Viaduct work, I'm in favour of.

"The fact that American Express has signed on means positive vibes ... it's no lightweight."