Top results for Auckland’s non-stop 2014/15 year of events

Auckland’s massive 2014/15 line-up of events – which included two world cups – has pumped more than $85 million into the regional economy.

In 2014/15, Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) invested $14 million into major events on behalf of Auckland Council. The investment returned $85.6 million to Auckland’s regional economy, generated more than 426,500 visitor nights, and saw more than 2 million people attend Auckland major events.

ATEED’s 2014/15 major events targets were a regional return on investment for Auckland of $47 million, 150,000 visitor nights and 1.5 million event attendees.

The $14 million investment covered Auckland hosting three one-off major sporting events – the ICC Cricket World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover – as well as an annual programme of arts, cultural and sporting events.

“The show certainly never stops here in Auckland and last summer was unparalleled,” says Mayor Len Brown. “As well as ATEED delivering its core programme of major cultural, arts and sports events, Auckland celebrated its 175th anniversary, hosted two world cups, staged the Auckland Arts Festival, and hosted London’s dazzling Light Show at the Auckland Art Gallery.”

“The economic opportunities that major events can unlock are huge,” says Len Brown. “Auckland has successfully staked its claim internationally as a world-class major events city. Hosting these events provides work and money for our local industries and businesses, they bring visitors who support our hotels, shops and restaurants, and Aucklanders can enjoy amazing experiences right on our doorstep.”

ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says ATEED’s major events portfolio complements the annual seasons produced by Auckland’s theatre, dance and music companies, fixtures of the region’s sporting franchises, events in connection with the Auckland Council family, including Auckland Zoo, Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery, events put on or brought to Auckland by private promoters, and the now-annual Auckland Arts Festival, all giving Aucklanders and visitors a wide range of choices.

“The 2014/15 year was a massive events year for Auckland, the like of which we won’t see again until 2017/18 when we host the World Masters Games and three matches in the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2017, and the next Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover in early 2018,” says Brett O’Riley.

“Auckland’s major events continue to deliver economic and social benefits for the region. We’re immensely proud of the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, a successful homegrown event which has brought more than $16 million into our regional economy in its first two years alone, smashing its targets.

“Pasifika and the Auckland Lantern and Diwali Festivals draw more than a quarter of a million people between them, all welcome occasions to celebrate Auckland’s diversity.”

All major events sponsored by ATEED are assessed for their alignment with Auckland’s Major Events Strategy, including their ability to generate new money (GDP) for Auckland, grow domestic and international visitor nights, build awareness of Auckland internationally, and provide Aucklanders with the chance to enjoy world-class events.

Auckland’s Major Events Strategy has a 10-year outlook, from 2011-2021. By 2021, the strategy aims to have delivered the following cumulative outcomes for Auckland: $472 million contributed to the regional economy and 1,653,000 visitor nights. Four years in, ATEED-sponsored major events have contributed $204 million to the regional economy and 1,265,000 visitor nights (43 and 76 per cent of the cumulative 10-year targets).

ENDS

© Scoop Media