Cricket World Cup lead shares wisdom on hosting major events   24 Jul 2014

Cricket World Cup lead shares wisdom on hosting major events in small town New Zealand

Following the successful completion of the Rugby World Cup 2011, Therese Walsh was appointed Head of New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Ms Walsh spoke to over 550 delegates at the annual Local Government New Zealand conference about taking national events from metro cities to grass roots towns. She outlined needs, opportunities and key success factors for a town hosting a major event.

Ms Walsh told the conference that global or major events – especially those that are truly national and span the country – give New Zealand and its communities a chance to shine in the competitive landscape of major events and that events rely on cities, towns and local communities to bring them to life.

“What does success look like for host city? There is a hygiene factor – that they are delivered well, that teams and fans are welcomed, that ratepayers and local communities participate and enjoy major events, and that they activate business and tourism. It is critical to the delivery of an effective event that resourcing including airports, police, transport all works together with councils,” Ms Walsh says.

“Communities need a sense of ownership with major events. Making sure local businesses know the story and understand it is important so they don’t feel isolated or excluded. Regions need a balanced portfolio of events including arts, culture, sport and other events. Non-host cities still have opportunities with events and need to feel on board. For example, we are doing a Trophy Tour taking the Cricket World Cup through New Zealand in a roadshow over a month. Non-host cities can do things for community engagement such as adopt-a-team, which worked well for the Rugby World Cup. You might not be a host city but fans need somewhere to go in between matches.”

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says that major events can have significant benefits for communities including boosting community spirits and bringing tourism and business opportunities to a region.

“Regional economic development across all of New Zealand is important to the sector and to LGNZ as one of the seven strategic policy priorities in our elections manifesto. Major events are an effective way of injecting capital, community excitement and tourism opportunities for regions when they are well managed by councils working together with central government, resource providers that support events and event stakeholders.”

The 2014 LGNZ Conference took place 20-22 July at Nelson, with more than 500 local government delegates attending to take part in master class sessions, hear presentations from high profile speakers about significant issues and opportunities facing the sector. The theme of the conference was Powering Local Economies, Building Vibrant Communities.

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