News release

Sky Tower scores the coveted Mayfair position in sparkling first MONOPOLY: Auckland Edition

Just a roll of the dice away: The first ever official Auckland MONOPOLY game will go on sale on 1st November, 2013!

Appropriately unveiled today at the stunning location, it was revealed that Sky Tower had in fact, scooped the board’s most exclusive and coveted “Mayfair” site.

In all, 22 Auckland and greater Auckland property landmarks were selected to replace the famous London streets from the original board after the public was invited to offer up their suggestions via Facebook, earlier in the year.

Andrew Thompson from the game’s manufacturers Winning Moves explained, “It was enlightening consulting with the public who resoundingly favoured our two famed properties, Sky Tower and the Harbour Bridge and so we decided to assign the top property to Sky Tower as it encapsulates everything that is Auckland and greater Auckland with its magnificent views for up to 80km in every direction”.

“Given the strong popularity of Sky Tower with the public, not only did it receive the prized spot, but also scored its own Chance Card giving players the opportunity “Climb new heights and advance to Sky Tower,” added Thompson.

With Auckland being renowned for its natural beauty, the best inner city and greater parklands are featured on the Brown property cards with Auckland Domain and Waitakere Ranges. Similarly with the right Chance card, players can “treat the family to an afternoon at Auckland Domain” and collect $50M for their picnic.   However, if you draw the more treacherous Chance cards, “a fun day hiking in the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, you end up getting your friends lost” and having to compensate each of them with $50M.

The Light Blue properties, Devonport, Wynyard Quarter and Maritime Museum highlight Auckland’s strong connection with the sea. 

Reflecting the MONOPOLY wish list expressed by Auckland’s Lord Mayor, Len Brown earlier this year, Dominion Road scored a Red property card alongside Queen Street and Karangahape Road, affectionately known as K road.

Indicative of all that we love about greater Auckland is the Yellow portfolio that showcases popular beaches including Piha and Mission Bay as well as Waiheke Island. 

For sports fans Ellerslie Racecourse, Eden Park and Mt Smart Stadium comprise the Pink property cards; while the Orange properties are a haven for museum lovers with Auckland Museum, MOTAT and Star Dome.

Universities, the zoo and hotels are also part of the Auckland MONOPOLY streetscape with the green comprising of Auckland University, Auckland Zoo and Hilton Auckland.

Even the Utilities have been localised with the inclusion of Auckland Water and Electricity Auckland; while the traditional Railroads now showcase Auckland’s diversity of transportation with Akoranga Busway Station, Newmarket Railway Station, Birkenhead Ferry Wharf and Britomart Transport Centre all represented.

Other Auckland-centric twists can be found in the tweaked Community Chest and Chance cards.   Instead of winning a beauty pageant, you can look forward to winning $M25 prize money at a surfing competition at Piha or collect some bonus MONOPOLY dollars to treat your friends to an ice-cream at Long Bay Beach.  
Pick up the wrong card however, and you may be fined $M100 for getting caught littering along Wellesley Street, or if you find yourself frustrated by Auckland’s peak hour and “beat the traffic home on Muriwai Road” you can expect to pay a speeding fine of $15M.  Alternatively, those looking to treat themselves to some retail therapy, can advance to Queen Street and collect $200M if they pass go or collect $10M to grab a bargain at the Auckland Art & Craft Fair.

The new MONOPOLY:  Auckland edition will available at all good toy stores from 1st November 2013, in time for Christmas gift giving!

RRP:   NZ$59.99

MORE NEW ZEALAND CITIES SET TO BE IMMORTALISED! 
Other New Zealand cities are set to be immortalised with their own edition of MONOPOLY in the future. Andrew Thompson explains, “In 2014 I will be travelling the country to identify which will be the next cities to have their own MONOPOLY and we will also be seeking suggestions from the public via ideas@winningmoves.com.au

MONOPOLY first hit shop shelves in the US in circa 1935. It is now played in 111 countries and enjoyed in 43 different languages. MONOPOLY © 1935, 2013 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

ENDS

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