2. DARREN HUGHES (Labour—Otaki) Link to this
to the Minister for Sport and Recreation
What will be the benefits to New Zealand of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2011?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Sport and Recreation) Link to this
Hosting the Rugby World Cup will be positive, not only for New Zealand rugby but also because the tournament will deliver significant economic benefits and tourism spin-offs. It is estimated that it will attract around 60,000 extra visitors to New Zealand, will generate an extra $400 million for the economy, and result in an extra tax take exceeding $90 million.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
In addition to the extra visitors we expect to visit New Zealand, television-viewing numbers for the last world cup were 3.4 billion. That will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase New Zealand. However, I regret to inform the member that it will almost certainly not focus on the Courtesy Ford Levin Domain, notwithstanding that member’s representations.