Wellington City Council’s Chair of Economic Development and Arts, Councillor Jo Coughlan, says many cricket fans were not only here to see the game but experience Wellington on the holiday weekend.
“Unfortunately, while the match didn’t go the Black Caps way, attendance wise, yesterday’s match was one of the bigger one’s the Black Caps have seen in Wellington - outside of a Cricket World Cup match - in years. With many cricket fans from outside the region taking advantage of a long weekend stay in the capital.”
Cr Coughlan says there are plenty more events on this summer’s calendar that will bring millions into Wellington’s economy.
“Next weekend’s test at the Basin Reserve between the Black Caps and Australia is looking to be a sell-out. The Chinese New Year Festival and parade will also be taking place over the weekend, at the TSB Arena and Shed 6.
“Then we have the New Zealand Festival beginning in late February. This iconic festival will pump tens of millions of dollars into the city over the month it’s on. The 2014 New Zealand Festival brought 70 million into Wellington’s economy.”