Mike Thorpe explains why Christchurch has unlocked its sporting superpower. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY
Christchurch is set to cap off a major month of events this weekend, with the Super Round of rugby officially opening the city’s long-awaited covered stadium.
After the Supercars’ spectacular debut event in the city last weekend, with 65,000 fans selling out Ruapuna raceway over three days, and the citybuzzing with anticipation ahead of tomorrow night’s Crusaders debut at One NZ Stadium, the hospitality sector is enjoying a boom time during what would traditionally be a quieter period.
One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, 10 days before the first event.
Kristy Phillips, the chief executive of Hospitality NZ, says bookings are strong in the Garden City heading into the weekend.
“Major events are a huge boost for food and beverage and accommodation businesses. They bring people into a region, and they get locals out and about, too,” she said.
About 65,000 people descended on Ruapuna Raceway for the Repco Supercars Championship last weekend.
Phillips said it was a welcome change of pace for April, which is typically a quieter period.
“It’s meant that April, which is often a month where things quieten down after a busy summer, has continued to see good numbers of guests through,” she said.
“It’s great to see Christchurch building some real momentum with its events calendar, and continuing to prioritise a strong pipeline of events that will continue to support the hospitality sector over time.”
Hospitality NZ chief executive Kristy Phillips has welcomed all the activity in Christchurch this month.
With the Super Round also falling across the Anzac Weekend, recent changes to trading rules will allow hospitality businesses to make the most of the increased visitor numbers.
Hospitality NZ said it had long advocated easing restrictions that previously required bars and restaurants to close on certain public holidays unless they met specific conditions.
Oxford Group bar Fat Eddie's in Christchurch and its outdoor area (pictured prior to lockdown). Photo / Supplied
Sections 47 and 48 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 have been repealed to allow licensed businesses already permitted to open on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day to sell alcohol under their usual licence conditions.
Phillips said the law change removes confusion for operators and guests, offering the flexibility that hospitality businesses need to meet customer demand during major events and long weekends, including this weekend in Christchurch.
