9. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What steps is the Government taking to attract a greater number of major international events to New Zealand?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Heaps. The Government is providing assistance to organisations bidding to host international events. We are also working with key players to provide the required infrastructure. For example, the Government will provide $2 million for new facilities at the Taupō Motorsport Park to enable the hosting of big international motor racing events up to, but not including, Formula One. They will be the best facilities in New Zealand when they are finished.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
An enormous amount. People will generally be aware that we are hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Recently New Zealand was announced as the host for the 2010 World Rowing Championships. This is a huge win for New Zealand and shows, once again, that New Zealand has what it takes to host major events. Rowers from an estimated 50 countries are expected to compete at the championships. It is estimated the event will attract around 7,000 visitors to New Zealand and contribute an additional $105 million to the economy. In addition, it means that the hub of Rotorua, Hamilton, and Taupō is becoming known more and more as an events hub for New Zealand, showing it as an area that is capable of hosting great events and people, very well.
Peter BrownCan I take it from the Minister’s answer that he has no concern about New Zealand’s infrastructure when we handle such events; and by infrastructure I mean roading, passenger transport, and hospitals?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
Certainly, I think in the case of the Taupō event, the track quality—the roading of the track—will be considerably improved by the investment that is occurring now. As far as public transport is concerned, in the rowing, I want to compliment the Hamilton City Council, which has taken the decision to provide free public transport to and from Hamilton for people who attend that event, thereby taking a lot of pressure off the road during that time.