Whangarei a World Cup winner

18 March, 2009

WHANGAREI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP : MEDIA RELEASES 2009

WEDG chairman, Brett Sawyers says Whangarei is a winner from the announcement which sees two World Cup games coming north in 2011.

"The economic impact will be significant and there is no doubt our economy will get a huge boost from both the presence of the teams and supporters”.

"This will put Whangarei, and indeed Northland on the world stage via the media and supporters - providing benefits far beyond the actual tournament.”

"We have long talked about the desire to see more visitors, staying longer and spending more money – the opportunity is now in front of us – as a business community we need to make the most of it  in partnership with the rest of our region.”

WEDG acknowledged the passion and sheer hard work that had gone into preparing the bid which involved numerous Northland stakeholders including economic development agency Enterprise Northland, local government, sporting and tourism sectors.

“It is also evident that the investment by the Northland Regional and Whangarei District councils in the new regional multi-events centre at Okara Park has had a major part to play in this decision – well done to all involved”.