Aotearoa's co-hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup netted the economy more than $100 million and significantly raised the profile of women's sports according to analysis released today.
Over July and August, the world sporting event was co-hosted between Australia and New Zealand, with matches taking place in cities at home and across the ditch.
The independent analysis commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) found the event had an overall cost-benefit ratio of 1.34 - meaning for every $1 put in, New Zealand saw a return of $1.34.
The event also significantly raised the profile of women's sports, according to a new report. (Source: 1News)
More than 740,000 tickets were issued across the 29 matches hosted locally, whilst the event overall attracted close to 27,000 tourists and saw more than 300,000 nights booked.
The gross financial benefit of the event was valued at $432 million, according to the MBIE-commissioned report, with a net figure of $110 million.
Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop said his new Government was always looking for more opportunities to bring major events to the country.
"It was an amazing success story - economically, socially and culturally, and we want to have future events like that in New Zealand," he said.
"If I can be a bit apolitical, one of the real successes of the last government was a real focus on women's sport, in particular, and raising participation - and the Women's World Cup was part of that."
He added: "We want more major sporting events. We have to take things on a case-by-case basis. At the end of the day, we are a small country.
"We do have some constrained financial circumstances when it comes to events. We have constrained resources when it comes to grounds."
Out of the major centres, Auckland netted the most from the event - nearly $50 million.
Mayor Wayne Brown said he was pleased the event surpassed forecasts: "It is a good result and I was glad to be able to play a small part in encouraging this great event."
The report also indicated the event has "permanently altered New Zealand’s perception of women in sport, adding to our country’s proud history of advocating for gender equality," according to MBIE.
MBIE New Zealand Major Events manager Kylie Hawker-Green said the 2023 World Cup was "the largest and most successful women’s sporting event ever, exceeding expectations on and off the field.
"It captured the hearts of the nation, elevated women’s football and sport more generally while cementing New Zealand’s global reputation as an exceptional major event host."
"The event adds to the trifecta of successful women’s world cups hosted in New Zealand over the past two years, with rugby and cricket in 2022 and now football in 2023.
"Hosting these three events was a deliberate strategy to elevate and showcase women’s sport in New Zealand."
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