Rugby delivers boost to Wellington

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed a doubleheader at Sky Stadium on 12 July with the Black Ferns playing Australia for the O’Reilly Cup presented by Ryman Healthcare, followed by the All Blacks against France. Then on 13 September, the All Blacks will play Rugby World Cup holders South Africa.

WellingtonNZ Events and Experiences General Manager Heidi Morton says the tests will attract thousands of visitors from around the country to the capital.

“This year we hosted two All Blacks matches in Wellington – one against Argentina and the other against Australia. Together these games delivered a net economic benefit of almost $5 million to the city. We expect next year’s games to top that.”

The economic benefit of this year’s All Blacks Wellington tests has been calculated by economic analysis agency Fresh Info.

In total, the two tests attracted 59,000 people — almost 26,000 in August and just over 33,000 in September. Of those 20,500 travelled from outside the Wellington region. They were responsible for almost 24,000 visitor nights. The average spend per visitor was $284 for the first test and $440 for the second – which also attracted twice as many international visitors as Australian fans to get in behind their team.

Heidi Morton says while international rugby is always a drawcard, people come to Wellington for a wide range of experiences which would benefit retailers, hospitality outlets and the accommodation sector.

“We’re especially looking forward to hosting rugby fans again next year — there’s a great buzz in the city when the All Blacks and the Black Ferns are here and the benefits for our hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors are particularly welcome.”

Sky Stadium Chief Executive Warrick Dent says it’s fantastic that Wellington has again secured two All Blacks matches, along with a Black Ferns test.

“We saw with this year’s Bledisloe Cup match just what a great experience a test match is in Wellington and at Sky Stadium, and I’m sure next year’s events will deliver.

“It is particularly pleasing to be hosting the Black Ferns before they head to the Rugby World Cup, along two of the All Blacks fiercest competitors in France and South Africa.”

Date published: 10 December 2024