11. MELISSA LEE (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What support will the Government provide for the 2011 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Last month I announced that the Government will contribute $400,000 towards the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, to be held in Christchurch in January 2011. The 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships are the world’s second-largest international sports event for athletes with a disability, and they are expected to attract around 1,300 athletes and 900 officials, all coming from 75 countries. This is an elite international event, and it is the first in a great sporting year for New Zealand.
What is the expected legacy for New Zealand from hosting the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The event will leave a significant social legacy; namely, the continued development of Paralympic sport in New Zealand. The event is a sporting showcase for elite athletes, and it will highlight many role models, not only for disabled but also for able-bodied individuals in New Zealand and around the world. In addition, it is estimated that the potential economic impact for Christchurch will be over $12 million. As well as this, media coverage of the championships is expected to be extensive.
Chris HipkinsIs funding available from the Ministry of Economic Development for other international events held in New Zealand that attract international media and television coverage, such as the Rally of New Zealand?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
On a case by case basis, the member will be aware that the major events unit inside the Ministry of Economic Development considers support for events of that type.
Why did he decline an application from Motorsport New Zealand for support from the Major Events Development Fund for the Rally of New Zealand?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
We set high criteria for the economic benefit that is to accrue from events like that. Of course, I suspect that the sum requested for that event would have been somewhat higher than that granted to the Paralympians.
What steps will he take to ensure that New Zealand does not lose other significant events of a similar or larger scale to the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, particularly in light of the recent loss of the Rally of New Zealand after he refused to back it?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
I am surprised to learn that I am personally responsible for the loss of the Rally of New Zealand event. I will say we are trying to encourage a pipeline of events that will occur in New Zealand over a number of years, where those events are to become annual, biennial, or whatever their frequency may be. We are also trying to encourage those events, on an increasing basis, to become self-sufficient. But we are very active in seeking opportunities for events that will give economic benefit and profile to New Zealand to be attracted to this country.