Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash today announced that an international mountain biking festival will receive government financing to secure events in Rotorua and around the South Island, providing considerable economic, social, and cultural benefits to New Zealand.
To support the execution of six Crankworx Rotorua mountain bike events, including the Grand Finale in November 2022 and the return of Rotorua as the host city for the first stop on the Crankworx World Tour from 2023 to 2027, Crankworx will receive up to $8.1 million from the Government’s Major Events Fund.
After a successful launch in 2021, it will also guarantee the future of up to 24 Summer Series tournaments held around the South Island.
“I’m overjoyed to be able to sponsor Crankworx international events in New Zealand going forward.
It’s fantastic that Rotorua, a city that has a well-deserved reputation as a global mountain biking destination, will continue to host one of the most significant mountain bike festivals in the world, according to Stuart Nash.
“For the previous seven years, we have hosted Crankworx events in New Zealand, and they have all been incredibly successful, bringing in foreign tourists and encouraging the growth and improvement of mountain biking and event-related infrastructure.
“The total economic impact of the 2015–2021 events has been independently estimated at over $25.9 million.
This figure does not account for the ongoing economic benefit of foreign visitors who continue to spend money on travel after the event, nor does it take into account the long-lasting publicity and buzz Rotorua has received.
“Now that our foreign tourists have returned, it’s the ideal opportunity to increase our dedication to the mountain bike festival.
With the help of this financing, the Summer Series will be able to continue holding events that benefit Central Otago, Queenstown, and Wanaka in particular while also benefiting other South Island areas.
“Last year, I went to Crankworx in Rotorua, and it was a great event even without the people.
I can’t wait to support all the international mountain bike fans when I return in November,” stated Stuart Nash.
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