New Zealand Government announces members of Major Events Investment Panel

The New Zealand Government has announced an eight-member investment advisory panel for the Major Events Development Fund.

The Major Events Investment Panel, chaired by Brian Roche, will advise Major Events Ministers - whose portfolios include Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Economic Development, and Arts, Culture and Heritage on investing the $10 million per annum Fund.

Introducing the appointments, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce stated "Brian was extensively involved in New Zealand's successful delivery of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and is committed to ensuring that Government investment in future major events achieves economy-wide benefits."

Also appointed to the Panel is Therese Walsh, who is currently Head of New Zealand for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and about whom Minister Joyce states "Therese's experience in senior roles with Rugby New Zealand 2011 has provided her with practical knowledge of hosting pinnacle events in New Zealand."

Other members of the Panel include the chief executives of six government agencies that have an interest in ensuring major events in New Zealand can be leveraged to meet wider government objectives. These are:

Ministry for Culture and Heritage Lewis Holden

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment David Smol

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade John Allen

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Peter Chrisp

Sport New Zealand - Peter Miskimmin

Tourism New Zealand Kevin Bowler

Minister Joyce added "this new Investment Panel will enable greater value to be drawn from the significant investment that the Government makes in major events each year.

"Such events generate a wide range of direct and indirect benefits for New Zealand including tourism revenue, new business opportunities, development of infrastructure and amenities, achievement in sports and arts, and national pride."

The Major Events Development Fund is a $10 million per annum multi-year appropriation for investment in events that meet certain criteria. Since 2005, $61.7 million has been invested in 130 events, some of which will take place as far out as 2018.

http://www.majorevents.govt.nz