City Benefits Big Time from Rugby Sevens

The Rugby Sevens, due to hit town this week, is the epitome of a successful event in the Capital, both economically and socially, Mayor Kerry Prendergast says.

"The buzz and the excitement of the Rugby Sevens weekend are matched by the economic return the event brings to the Capital.  An economic impact assessment completed by McDermott Miller after the Sevens in 2001 showed that the event brought in $8.6 million of new spending.

"We are of course looking to get the same return this weekend as the city once again jumps to the beat of the Sevens drum. 

"The Sevens attracts people from all over the world and from around New Zealand.  It is the kind of event other organisers need to look to when planning major events, especially in economic terms.  It is also an excellent example of the Council's events fund in action working for the good of the city."

The biggest spending by those attending the Sevens is on accommodation, followed by hospitality, shopping, transport and the city's other attractions.

"A large number of people attending the Sevens came from outside Wellington City with more than two thirds rating their experience of our fantastic city, as very good.  Of course a fantastic experience in Wellington means out-of-towners usually want to come back and that's always good for our city."

Related Links

• Events Calendar
• NZ International Sevens

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