Covid-19 restrictions have eased, the border's open to tourists, it's the summer Auckland's been waiting for - but there's a big hole in the promotions budget.
Economic development agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited is short close to $20 million and is asking local businesses to contribute to a marketing fund.
The agency plans to raise at least half a million dollars, but that's a drop in the ocean compared to the hundreds of millions being spent across the Tasman.
Amy Williams has the story.