'Cheeky' campaign promotes Bay

A new billboard that has appeared next to the Ports of Auckland - depicting Tauranga's port while promoting the Bay of Plenty city as "New Zealand's ultimate business location" - is just a bit of fun, according to the organisation behind it.

Council-owned Ports of Auckland has been beset by months of industrial action from staff unhappy over pay and conditions, which has resulted in business being lost to NZX-listed Port of Tauranga.

The billboard is part of a campaign, carried out by Priority One, Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty's economic development agency.

Andrew Coker, Priority One chief executive, said the billboard's location on Quay St was no coincidence. It was just a bit of cheeky, tongue-in-cheek fun, he said, which was promoting a serious message.

"We have a very competitive port down here in Tauranga. "[Port of Tauranga] is acknowledged as one of the top 10 in the world ... it's a compelling proposition for businesses that are looking to expand."

Ports of Auckland communications executive Dee Radhakrishnan said the company was not worried about the billboard. "It's just a bit cheeky and funny," she said.

Coker said Priority One had put up another billboard near Auckland International Airport which promoted the short commute from Tauranga's airport into that city's central business district.