Our big year is a great chance to put NZ on the map, writes Economic Development Minister David Parker.
2021 is going to be a huge year for New Zealand and Auckland with Apec, the 36th America's Cup — held at the world class venue on Auckland's waterfront and on the harbour — and the Women's Rugby World Cup as well as a range of other international events.
This isn't a new experience for us, however. New Zealand knows how to host and organise global events, and Auckland has been a major player in some of the biggest we've had.
Whether it's the World Masters Games, the Rugby World Cup, major international Fifa tournaments, or previous America's Cups — or Apec in 1999 — Kiwis extend warm welcomes to our international visitors. In the case of Apec we are also doing our part — taking our turn if you like — hosting an organisation that is vitally important to the economies of the Pacific Rim.
Hosting major events is a great chance to put Auckland and New Zealand on the map. The substantial international coverage that follows gives us a stage for us to tell our stories, celebrate our history, and share what makes us tick. They allow New Zealand to display our manaakitanga, the uniquely New Zealand welcome we provide to visitors from around the world. Major events can also provide economic benefits, create jobs and show the world what we're capable of.