Hon Steven Joyce

Minister for Economic Development

8 August 2014 Media Statement
Major Events Fund invests in Winter Games NZ

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today announced the Major Events Fund is investing $1.5 million in Winter Games New Zealand 2015 and $1.25 million in Winter Games New Zealand 2017.

Winter Games New Zealand is a bi-annual event held in the Southern Lakes district and attracts some of the world’s most elite snow sport athletes.

Investment in the next two Winter Games will support the events goal to become one of the top three snow sports events in the world and continue to profile New Zealand internationally as a premier winter destination.

“This event generates excellent international exposure for New Zealand, showcasing some of our most spectacular scenery. The Games also deliver a significant economic boost for the country as many of the athletes choose to stay for an extended period of time to train in New Zealand in the lead up to their event,” Mr Joyce says.

A post-event analysis by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showed that in 2013 the event generated $7,804,146 in net economic benefit for New Zealand.

“Further investment through the Major Events Development Fund will ensure this event continues to achieve success, while building a platform to become independent of Government support in the future.

Mr Joyce says no other programme combines so many winter sports in one event at a World Cup or Continental Cup level.

“The Winter Games is also the only elite winter snow sport competition in which able bodied and adaptive athletes compete alongside one another. Remarkably, 17 athletes that competed in the 2013 Winter Games New Zealand went on to win medals at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, including five golds,” Mr Joyce says.

“Winter Games New Zealand is a home-grown event that is consistent with the Government’s strategy of investing in events that deliver economic results and successfully showcase New Zealand internationally as a desirable visitor and major events destination.”

The Winter Games 2013 post event report is available here.

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