Latest news with #Upston
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Open Delivers Major Economic Impact And Record Global Reach
The 104th New Zealand Open has cemented its status as the Asia-Pacific region's premier Pro-Am golf tournament by delivering significant economic and tourism benefits to New Zealand and to the Queenstown region in particular. In delivering its independent post-event results, the New Zealand Open is proud to report that the event generated $12.3 million in net economic impact for New Zealand and over $23 million in direct economic impact for the Queenstown region. The 2025 tournament saw a 48% growth in attendance figures with 34,199 fans turning out at Millbrook Resort delivering over 45,000 bed nights for the Queenstown region. The Pro-Am format of the New Zealand Open continues to attract a global mix of professional and amateur participants from 23 countries, creating a festival of golf that extends beyond the fairways and deep into the regional and national economy. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston was pleased the event was such a resounding success, highlighting its positive impact on New Zealand's economy and international profile. 'I'm thrilled to hear the New Zealand Open provided a strong boost to the economy,' said Minister Upston. 'We're proud to support world-class sporting events like this through the Major Events Fund. As well as contributing to the local and national economy, major events attract international visitors and strengthen our reputation on the world stage.' Supporting the economic impact of the event, a record global television audience tuned in to view the 2025 New Zealand Open with at least 7.4 million viewers to over 90 countries. The broadcast featured sweeping views of the Wakatipu Basin and numerous world-class golf courses throughout New Zealand, showcasing the country's golfing pedigree to a huge global audience. The broadcast reach was complemented by over 130 million social media impressions, a record for the event. With the biggest viewership in China, India, North America and Australia the media outcomes delivered by the New Zealand Open align with the wider tourism objectives of New Zealand. The record reach of New Zealand's flagship golf event supports ongoing growth of the burgeoning high-value golf tourism industry in New Zealand. John Hart, Chairman of the New Zealand Open, said the tournament's ability to attract both passionate spectators and affluent international guests is key to its long-term success: 'We're proud to have built an event that is driving growth on multiple fronts—raising the bar for sporting events in New Zealand and attracting high-value visitors to our country. The support from our international players and partners alongside the engagement from kiwi spectators has been phenomenal.' Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, praised the tournament's continued rise in the golfing world saying: 'These results show that the New Zealand Open has truly cemented its place as the pre-eminent Pro-Am event in the Asia-Pacific region. The tournament has successfully blended the history and prestige of a national Open with a unique pro-am experience that is a drawcard for professionals and amateur players from throughout the region. It's an event that the Asian Tour is proud to have on our tour calendar and one our players are always eager to be a part of.' Nick Dastey, Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia's General Manager of Tournaments and Global Tour Relationships, echoed the Asian Tour sentiments saying the New Zealand Open is raising the benchmark for Pro-Am tournaments globally. 'The New Zealand Open delivers a top-tier playing experience for both the professional and pro-am players. We have seen huge growth in people from Australia visiting New Zealand and in particular the Queenstown region throughout the year on golfing holidays with the stunning pictures from the broadcast whetting their appetite and marking New Zealand as a must visit golfing and holiday destination.' Building on this momentum, Brian Howie, Director of Operations at Millbrook Resort, reaffirmed the venue's commitment to the tournament's future: 'We're thrilled to announce Millbrook Resort's continued relationship with Golf New Zealand to host the New Zealand Open through to 2032. This long-term commitment reflects our belief in the value that the New Zealand Open brings to Queenstown and New Zealand as a whole.' With its mix of elite sport, international exposure and economic impact, the New Zealand Open continues to go from strength to strength. The 105th New Zealand Open will be played at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown between 26 February and 1 March 2026. For more information, please visit Key Statistics from the 104th New Zealand Open (as measured by YouGov) In 2025, the New Zealand Open generated: $12.36 million in economic impact for New Zealand $23.34 million in economic impact for Queenstown The total number of spectators across the four days of the New Zealand Open increased by 48% to 34,199 total attendees 74% of attendees came from outside the Queenstown Lakes District area The New Zealand Open attracted 1,114 international attendees in 2025 Over 45,000 bed nights were generated in the Queenstown region as a result of the New Zealand Open The 2025 New Zealand Open received a +72 net promoter score from attendees At least 7.4 million viewers from over 90 countries tuned in to witness history unfold and the latest champion of the New Zealand Open to be crowned In 2025, the New Zealand Open gained elevated global significance with the champion (or leading non-exempt player) earning direct qualification into the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Over 50,000 plastic bottles saved from landfill through removal of plastic water bottles on-site 13.7T of waste diverted from landfill through waste stream sorting and management on-site in 2025. A total of 523 volunteers played their part in the success of the New Zealand Open in 2025 and over 75% of these have indicated they will volunteer for the 2026 tournament. The 2025 New Zealand Open reached over 111 million social accounts and gained over 130 million social media impressions Millbrook Resort will be the home of the New Zealand Open through to 2032 About the 105th New Zealand Open | The tournament is one of New Zealand's leading sporting events with a long and prestigious history. It was founded in 1907 and will be played for the 105th time between February 26 and March 1, 2026. The New Zealand Open is the only National Open in world golf played in a Pro-Am format, is a co-sanctioned event on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour schedules and has a partnership agreement with the Japan Golf Tour. A professional field will play the first two rounds alternately at Millbrook Resort's Coronet and Remarkables courses. The final two rounds will be played on a composite course including holes from both courses. The New Zealand Open Champion will be the leading player after 72 holes of stroke play. The tournament also hosts 156 amateur players, each partnering with a professional in a two-man best-ball event, competing for the New Zealand Open Pro-Am Championship.
NZ Herald
05-08-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Triathlon: Tauranga secures 2028 World Triathlon Championship Final as part of three-year partnership
Tauranga was today confirmed as host city of the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Final in a three-year partnership with World Triathlon. 'After an absence of 16 years, the World Triathlon Championship Series final will be returning to our shores in 2028 and we couldn't be prouder. 'Triathlon has such a rich heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand and we are excited to be adding to that history over the next three years. De Wet said the country's age group athletes were loved around the world for their unique 'Kiwiana approach'. 'I am so pleased for all those that are dedicated to attending World Championship events around the world, that they will finally have the chance to do this at home, in Tauranga, in 2028. 'And for our elite athletes, who campaign for so much of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the chance to race at home in front of their family, friends and fellow New Zealanders will be truly special. 'My wish is that all New Zealanders, regardless of ability, get involved in triathlon over the next few years, and when the time comes, welcome the world to our shores, with open arms.' Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said these events would give a major boost to the economy. 'Over the three years, the events are expected to attract more than 6000 international visitors, generating 100,000 international visitor nights and $25 million in tourism visitor spend. Hayden Wilde pictured earlier this year. Photo / Connull Lang 'We're proud to be able to bring these international sporting events to New Zealand through the Major Events Fund, supporting high-performance sport, driving more sport tourism, and showcasing our country on the world stage,' Upston said. The Government is investing $2.65 million from the Major Events Fund to support Tri NZ to host three events: the World Triathlon World Cup 2026, the World Triathlon Championship Series in 2027 and the World Triathlon Championship Final 2028. 'Major sporting events like these attract an international following from athletes and sport enthusiasts alike,' Upston said. 'A comparable event like The Ironman 70.3 World Championship held last year in Taupō surpassed all expectations, attracting about 15,000 international visitors and generating $23 million in visitor spending in the region and $50 million nationwide.' Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale, who was at this morning's announcement at Trinity Wharf, said securing the World Triathlon events was a landmark achievement for Tauranga. 'Tauranga already boasts a proud triathlon heritage, with annual events such as the Mount Festival of Multisport, the Tinman Triathlon and the Surfbreaker Triathlon delivering strong community engagement and economic benefits. 'Hosting three of the sport's most prestigious international events will build on that momentum and elevate our city to the world stage,' Drysdale said. 'Across all three events, the city is projected to welcome thousands of international and domestic visitors, who will generate significant visitor nights and bring in approximately $11m in visitor spend to the Tauranga economy.' World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany said he was excited about triathlon's biggest event returning to a country with a 'rich and proud heritage in the sport', having previously hosted the pinnacle event in the sport in Queenstown in 2003 and Auckland in 2012. 'After Auckland many years ago, we are coming back to New Zealand to celebrate the biggest event we have in our sport. 'I'm looking forward to seeing you all there' WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
NZ Herald
24-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Tourism NZ's ‘Everyone Must Go!' campaign boosts Australian visitor numbers, exceeding targets
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. The Tourism and Hospitality Minister says the 'Everyone Must Go!' campaign exceeded its target of bringing 6750 additional Australians to New Zealand over autumn. Louise Upston, who announced the campaign in February alongside Christopher Luxon, called it a 'winner' as she claimed its controversial slogan had stirred up interest in New Zealand across the Tasman, contributing to a rise in visitor numbers. The campaign raised eyebrows at home and overseas, with some outlets reporting it to be tone-deaf as the country dealt with record emigration numbers. But it appears to have worked, with Upston revealing nearly 8000 extra Australian visitors had pumped an estimated $22 million into the economy – $5m more than was initially targeted. 'Tourism NZ stats released to me show it delivering an additional 7981 visitors to smash its initial forecasts,' Upston said.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Getting More Kiwis Into Jobs
Hon Louise Upston Minister for Social Development and Employment Jobseeker beneficiaries will be the focus of the Government's employment programmes over the next three years, says Minister Louise Upston. Minister Upston has welcomed an updated Ministry of Social Development employment investment strategy which runs through to June 2028, describing it as overdue. 'Prioritising beneficiaries into jobs should always be the employment focus for MSD but unfortunately that hasn't always been the case,' Louise Upston says. 'This updated strategy makes it crystal clear MSD needs to be consistently focused on the job seekers already on benefits and getting them sorted first because that's where they can make the most impact. 'I've also instructed MSD that it needs to work in more targeted ways, particularly when it comes to young people. 'That's important because recent forecasts show that people under the age of 25 on Jobseeker Support are estimated to spend an average of 18 or more years on a benefit over their lifetimes - 49 per cent longer than in 2017. 'This is a human tragedy. We need to focus on the potential of one of New Zealand's most powerful assets - our young people - and get them straight into first jobs. 'Frontline MSD staff do work hard in this area, and I know case managers working directly with clients is where MSD can make a real difference. This strategy reinforces that approach. 'Employment case management is important and should also be straightforward and practical. It can include something as simple as helping someone get an up-to-date CV, through to passing a driver licence. 'The Government continues to support MSD's frontline staff - this year, Budget 2025 invested in retaining 490 frontline staff to help deliver vital employment services. 'Preventing young people getting stuck on a benefit will also be vitally important as we go on. Already in this term, we've introduced a new phone-based employment case management service which includes 6,000 18-24-year-old clients, we've got 2,100 more places for young people to get community job coaching, more regular work seminars, and a traffic light system to help them stay on track with their obligations. 'And just in the past weeks, MSD has kicked off a series of regional employment events, bringing together employers, providers and community organisations focused on a common goal – getting people into work. 'I'm also attending those events and hearing first-hand what's needed to support employers, and job seekers. Our Government is determined to get Kiwis into jobs, grow New Zealand businesses, and grow the economy.'
The Spinoff
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Spinoff
Swears, spending and ‘making shit up': Inside scrutiny week, part one
A whole week dedicated to putting Budget 2025 spending under the microscope means a whole lot of bickering. Welcome to another edition of scrutiny week. Although our government is always supposed to be acting democratically or whatever, this relatively new process gives parliament's select committees the chance to put recent spending in Budget 2025 under a microscope, and really scrutinise where we put billions of dollars every year. The scrutiny job is really on the opposition MPs, who are allowed an arena outside of question time and regular committee hearings to debate with a minister (and ministry officials). For government ministers fronting the scrutiny, it can be an exercise in dancing around questions, playing with patsies from colleagues or casting their minds back to 2017-2023 – perhaps the name 'bickering week' might be a more apt title. There are heated back and forths, the odd revelation, and then the revolving doors of scrutiny spit out another minister. The Spinoff was there to witness at least some of these great moments on Monday and Tuesday. Social development Louise Upston appeared only slightly frazzled as she headed into the social services and community committee on Monday afternoon. She was joined by social housing minister Tama Potaka for the first 15 minutes of the hearing, and Labour MP Kieran McAnulty wasted no time trying to bait Potaka into tying rising homelessness to the government's recent changes to emergency housing gateways. No politician would willingly admit that, so Potaka didn't. Instead, the minister played into semantics. 'If you are talking about rough sleeping, [the census] also observes that the amount of rough sleeping between 2017 and 2023 increased,' Potaka said. Later, Labour MP Ginny Andersen questioned Upston on the rise of people on the jobseeker's benefit, and the minister leaned on a political debate classic: 'That's what we inherited 18 months ago, that's what we are dealing with.' It was a line Upston came back to later, when Andersen pressed her on rising unemployment. 'I accept the conditions that we have inherited,' Upston told her. And again: 'We are dealing with the circumstances that we inherited.' 'Oh, come on,' Labour's Willie Jackson muttered. 'You can't keep blaming us.' Disability support There was one revelation from Upston when she spoke as disabilities minister on Monday afternoon: that the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill – which sought to improve systemic accessibility barriers for the disabled community – has been withdrawn, and that the minister will 'not focus on legislation in this term, but instead focus on practical terms'. These practical terms are the five areas of education, employment, health, housing and justice identified in the New Zealand Disability Strategy, and Upston promised a fully fledged version of that strategy, focused on these pillars, would be launched later this year. Regulation The finance and expenditure committee's Labour reps – Duncan Webb, Deborah Russell and Megan Woods – came into Tuesday morning's session with a bone to pick. Musings on the 'gradual eroding of our pioneering spirit' in regulation minister David Seymour's opening remarks made Russell mutter 'for fuck's sake' and scoff with her colleagues, and the Act leader made sure to end his speech with 'thank you to those who listened politely'. Suggestions from Webb that supposed ties between Seymour and the agriculture sector had impacted the regulatory reviews process led the acting prime minister (that's Seymour while Christopher Luxon is overseas) to claim that he was 'the most urban MP in New Zealand'. 'My main interaction with the dairy industry is with what we call a flat white, and when I go and visit farm animals – it's usually sheep in Cornwall Park.' There was a stumble when Seymour confused Green MP Francisco Hernandez with his colleague Lawrence Xu-Nan ('you're both studious and articulate'). Then on the topic of flour dust standards, after Webb asserted the minister was 'making shit up' by fudging numbers, Seymour had a different perspective: 'Well, I think you could argue that it's something that is not precise.' And on comments from Webb that the Act Party had been working too closely with 'lobby group' The New Zealand Initiative, Seymour replied 'actually, they're a thinktank'. It was a tense morning in Bowen House, but Seymour took it in his stride. 'We're going to make a great video on the behaviour of Labour Party MPs,' he warned, 'and I think people are gonna decide 'we don't want to make them the government next year'.' Te Tari Whakatau It was much more well-mannered in select committee room six, the Māori affairs room. Treaty negotiations minister Paul Goldsmith ummed, mmmed and ahhed his way through questions about job losses and Treaty commitments, but it was Te Tari Whakatau deputy chief executive Tui Marsh who had the most illuminating answer of the morning. When Ginny Andersen asked whether the ministry was finding it 'hard to attract Māori' workers given 'a number of decisions and positions your government is taking', Marsh said there was 'no doubt' that it was a factor. 'The current environment and the mahi itself is challenging, [as well as] being Māori in that mahi [Treaty settlements],' Marsh said. 'There are challenges in the way of thinking, there are challenges in the mahi that you have to do with your people.' On the lighter side, towards the end of the hearing, Goldsmith gave his pitch for a better Northland: 'a decent road, and making progress on the Ngāpuhi settlements'. Racing Racing minister Winston Peters largely discussed greyhound racing in the governance and administration committee on Tuesday afternoon. On the issue of racing infrastructure and rationalisation, Peters lamented the upkeep of some tracks around the country, and suggested that some local racing bodies should fire their boards and replace them with women. Why? Because 'women understand that it's all entertainment, that is the number one objective now', Peters explained. And asked about hurdles in the racing industry, Peters replied: 'they're all in parliament'. Foreign affairs Select committee room five was a crowded house on Tuesday afternoon – a small delegation from the Solomon Islands arrived behind foreign affairs minister Peters. He told newly minted Labour MP Vanushi Walters (who recently returned to parliament after David Parker's departure) that the problem with foreign affairs was that plenty of people had ideas on what should happen, instead of looking at what has happened, after she asked whether Aotearoa might join South Africa in forming a genocide case against Israel. It was a no to Walters, who frowned throughout the hearing, and when Greens MP Steve Abel suggested recognising Palestine could be a 'tool for peace', Peters responded that 'this would be an acceptance of a state of affairs which does not exist'. But, 'it's not my perception that matters'. Asked whether Aotearoa would strengthen its ties with China (as the prime minister is currently there), Peters encouraged the committee to 'think like the Chinese … [some people have] never read Chairman Mao's books, you don't survive all those thousands of years because you're not a clever people. 'The fact that some of us left there 5,000 years ago – or, two in this room, at least [referring to himself and committee member Peeni Henare] – is neither here nor there, although some people called me a commie when I first said that in 1996.'
