KEY POINTS:
The Government is pitching in with $550,000 to help New Zealand host this year's World Netball Championships.
Sixteen teams from Oceania, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas will compete during the championships being held from November 10 to 17 in Auckland.
Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said the championships, being run by Netball New Zealand, were estimated to contribute up to $12 million to the economy.
Spin-off benefits including world-wide media coverage of the event which would have a positive effect on the tourism industry, he said.
As well as the economic benefits, there were also social benefits to hosting the world championships.
Netball was played in more than 65 countries. It was the largest participation sport played in secondary schools in New Zealand and was one of the most popular sports played by women and young girls.
The Silver Ferns, who were the reigning world and Commonwealth Games champions, "have provided inspiration to thousands of young kiwis," Mr Mallard said.
The Silver Ferns won the world championship title in Jamaica in 2003.
New Zealand last hosted the World Netball Championships in 1999.
Mr Mallard said the $550,000 allocation was being made from the New Zealand Major Events Development Fund which was aimed at supporting major events that brought significant benefits to New Zealand.
- NZPA