17 March 2002

Clearwater Golf Classic Gets $75,000 Industry NZ Funding

Minister for Economic Development Jim Anderton today announced Industry New Zealand funding of $75,000 to assist in holding Golf’s Clearwater Classic 2002 in Christchurch.

The Clearwater Classic is an international golf tournament and is a United States Professional Golf Association (USPGA) Tour 2 event. This tour is regarded as one of the top four tours, sitting in behind the USPGA main tour, the European Tour and the Japanese Tour.

Industry New Zealand Major Events funding is provided case by case for events that provide significant economic development opportunities for New Zealand.

Jim Anderton says there are many benefits for New Zealand from the Clearwater Classic.

“The media coverage includes the Golf Channel, CNBC Sports, Sky UK, Canal Plus, DFS, Channel 10, Fox Sports and TVNZ/Sky TV have shown New Zealand to an international audience.

“At the same time the event benefits from kiwi innovation with the use of Site Vision, distributed by Trimble navigation. This is a revolutionary earthmoving grade control system that, designs surfaces and sets grades and alignments.”

Funding decisions are made by the independent board of Industry New Zealand. Previous major events to receive support from the fund include Eco-Challenge and sponsorship of $121,000 for the Southern Traverse adventure race.

Other Government support for the Clearwater Classic includes $100,000 invested by Tourism New Zealand and spread over two financial years to purchase the rights of the use of promotional ‘postcards’ promoting New Zealand as a golfing destination.

Sporting Frontiers NZ Ltd., and Clearwater Golf Resort are underwriting the event and have a contract to host the Classic for three years with a right of renewal for a further two years.

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