Ironman’s $23m cash injection
Pōwhiri VinFast IRONMAN World Championship
The Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupō late last year is being hailed a financial success, with an estimated $23 million spent in the district.
About 15,000 international visitors were attracted to the district for the event on December 14 and 15, says a report commissioned by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The Fresh Info event evaluation report found visitors spent $23 million in the Taupō district and $50 million was spent across New Zealand as a result of the event.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said the event was a “resounding success” and beyond expectations.
The Government invested $975,000 in the event through the Major Events Fund and MBIE major events manager Kylie Hawker-Green said the visitor spending reinforced the value of such investments.
“Major events, like Ironman 70.3 World Championship, provide countless benefits to New Zealand, boosting international tourism, bringing communities together, strengthening our global reputation and contributing to the local economy and our national GDP.”
Ironman Group Oceania managing director Michelle Pepper expressed her gratitude to the community of Taupō for showcasing the district and the country.
It is the first time New Zealand has hosted the World Championship, and it was meant to be staged in 2020, until the Covid-19 pandemic stalled the event for four years.
“As a proud Kiwi, I'm still blown away by the incredible support from the Taupō community in hosting one of the most successful Ironman 70.3 World Championship events in history,” Michelle says.
She says it would not have been possible without the thousands of volunteers who dedicated their time and energy.
About 95% of athletes were from overseas and they brought thousands more supporters with them.
On average they stayed five nights in Taupō and 13 nights in New Zealand, resulting in 187,325 visitor nights across the country.
The increase in visitor numbers benefitted the Taupō district with a year-on-year increase of 84 per cent in international spending. During the two-week event period, international card spend was up 116% compared to the previous year.
Every qualifier was given a pūrerehua, a Māori wind instrument, and welcome message from Ngāti Tūwharetoa, while race days opened with a haka on the lakeshore.
Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board chief executive Rakeipoho Taiaroa says they embrace every opportunity to support events on the moana.
“Our welcome, the haka, and the pūrerehua gifted to each athlete were a way to manaaki our manuhiri and share the essence of Tūwharetoa with the world.”
The Parade of Nations saw competitors and supporters march through town in their country’s colours.
The finish line at the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship.
