New Zealand Tells SportAccord the Country is Open for Business

New Zealand Tells SportAccord Convention 2016: We are Open for Business

Successful week marks turning point in event strategy for senior New Zealand delegation

New Zealand has confirmed the country's commitment to secure international events after a series of outstanding opportunities were progressed with International Federations (IFs) and rights holders at SportAccord Convention 2016.

The success of Auckland’s ambitious sports event bidding and hosting strategy also received its latest validation from the international sports community, with Auckland recognised by way of two individual awards, the best medium sized city, and ranked fourth overall in SportBusiness’ highly respected Ultimate Sports Cities Awards

A partnership approach was taken by the New Zealand delegation, who were based in Lausanne last week looking to build on the foundations of an established reputation for event hosting excellence and an extremely competitive proposition. Stationed at the New Zealand stand, the delegation included representation from the New Zealand government, the city of Auckland and IOC Member, Barry Maister ONZM (Order of New Zealand Merit).

The 2016 edition is the first time Mr Maister has formally been part of the New Zealand delegation at SportAccord Convention, as the country’s most senior Olympic Movement representative continues to back New Zealand’s mission to establish deep collaborations with IFs and rights holders.

Mr Maister said: "SportAccord 2016 felt like a turning point for sports event hosting in New Zealand. Now we’re ready to shift from promises to partnerships; the sports world trusts us to deliver. New Zealand’s coordinated commitment to international engagement and partnership through sport was strongly endorsed at SportAccord. Our reputation for honest and straightforward dealing, warm welcomes and a real passion for sport is widely regarded, and gives us the confidence to successfully engage across all levels of international endeavour, in a very competitive environment. There are some exciting developments in the pipeline and we look forward to confirming some world-class additions to our event portfolio in the near future."

New Zealand Manager Major Events, Ms Devorah Blumberg, says: "New Zealand's presence at SportAccord contributes to the New Zealand Government's Major Events Strategy. We aim to attract, retain, grow and enhance significant events for New Zealand. Our international reputation for delivering world-class events is strong and our ambition is high. We look forward to furthering some of these new prospects."

SportAccord Convention 2016 is the latest milestone in a long-term outreach strategy, in which the New Zealand House hospitality venue at this summer’s Rio 2016 Games also features prominently. Last week’s event provided opportunity to build on existing relationships with International Federations and progress the targets of the various organisations' major events bidding and prospecting strategies. The team is returning back to New Zealand ready to submit bids and discuss new opportunities.

Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) Head of Major Events, Charmaine Ngarimu, who represents major events for Auckland, says that in addition to the meeting and networking opportunities Auckland is proud to have been acknowledged for the quality of the city’s major events strategy, the outstanding city security, being awarded the best medium sports city, and ranking 4th overall in the SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Cities Awards.

"It's recognised that Auckland’s Major Events Strategy is returning outstanding results. We are always working to achieve great outcomes with our federations and partners. Auckland is a city with engagement at its core when it comes to sports events people and relationships are at the heart of sport in Auckland."

Charmaine Ngarimu

M +64 21 221 3839

aucklandnz.com

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