Major events heading to Auckland

The FIFA U20 World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup and Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover are among some of the major events heading to Auckland. Photo: Brett Phibbs

A massive line-up of major events are heading to Auckland over the next year.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), on behalf of Auckland Council, has announced the 35 major events that it will sponsor in 2014/15.

ATEED's Major Events Portfolio includes 19 events that successfully applied for sponsorship through the annual major events contestable fund, 10 multi-year sponsorships, three events supported in-kind, and three one-off major sporting events - the FIFA U20 World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup and Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says major events are pivotal in helping to transform a city both for residents and in the eyes of the world.

"Recent accolades show that our Major Events Strategy is already helping to transform Auckland into a world-class city. Last month we were named the third best sporting city in the world at the prestigious SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Cities Awards," says Brown

"Auckland is now preparing to host an incredible line-up of major events in 2015. The economic opportunities and legacy that go alongside this are significant. We encourage visitors from New Zealand and overseas to come and enjoy Auckland during this huge year of events."

All sponsored events in the Major Events Portfolio are assessed for their ability to generate new money (GDP) for Auckland, grow domestic and international visitor nights, build awareness of Auckland internationally, and provide Aucklanders with the chance to enjoy world-class events.

The 2014/15 Major Events Portfolio includes 18 events with an arts, social or cultural focus. These include two new additions to the portfolio - Art in the Dark and headland Sculpture on the Gulf - Auckland Writers Festival, and community favourites Diwali Festival, Auckland Lantern Festival and Pasifika Festival.

ATEED received 47 applications requesting a combined value of almost $12 million for the 2014/15 contestable Major Events Fund, with approximately $1 million of sponsorship available. This is double the value of applications made last year.

ATEED Chief Executive Brett O'Riley is confident the new events season will build on the success of the 2013/14 year.

"While data from 2013/14 is not yet finalised, we're well on track to exceed our major events performance targets of 95,000 visitor nights and $40 million GDP," says O'Riley.

The Major Events Strategy contributes towards the transformation of Auckland into the world's most liveable city, and helps to position Auckland as a destination for visitors.