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Central News - Opportuity HamiltonHow will Your Business Promote Itself to RWC Visitors?

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is now less than six months away.  Now is the time to begin planning for how your business is going to capture the numerous opportunities to get in front of international business investors.

Not convinced that the opportunity is worth it?  Sandra Perry, CEO of Opportunity Hamilton, says the statistics tell a different story.

“The Ministry of Economic Development has reported that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, that’s in terms of cumulative television audience and attendance.  The Ministry of Economic Development has estimated 85,000 people will visit New Zealand during this period. 

“That means our local businesses have an extraordinary chance to rub shoulders with high-yielding international visitors. There’s never been anything like this in New Zealand and businesses can’t afford to miss out,” she says.

The Rugby World Cup runs for 42 days, beginning on 9 September 2011 and ending on 23 October.  The majority of people are expected to come from Australia, England and South Africa.  Other nationalities expected to visit include the French, Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Japanese.

The Ministry has also predicted expat Kiwis are likely to bring forward their traditional Christmas visits to coincide with the Cup.

Three Waikato industry sectors are already on the front foot and planning major events to host the thousands of business people expected to visit our region during the Cup. 

Sandra Perry says the aviation, equine and motorsport industries are a great example for other sectors to emulate.

“These three sectors realise the huge opportunity they have to showcase local companies to the business people who will visit our region during Hamilton and Auckland matches. 

“The New Zealand equine industry is considered to be one of the best in the world and the local industry is planning a festival to showcase itself to visitors.  The event is expected to comprise elements of all sectors of the industry, and will be held every two years from 2011. 

“Our region’s aviation industry is another that’s on the front foot.  They have already confirmed a date for an aviation event from 12-16 October at Te Kowhai Airfield.  Entitled ‘Flair 2011,’ the event will include air shows, displays from aviation companies, entertainment and more.  Plus, topical workshops and seminars will also be held.

“And, finally, Hampton Downs is planning two-day motorsport event called the ‘Hampton Downs 2011 Legends of Speed.’  Their plan is to create a significant event that will become iconic for many years to come, where attendees can meet motorsport legends of the past. 

A major aim of the event at Hampton Downs is to deliver a significant economic return to the region, not only through visitor spending but by showcasing the region and its many business investment opportunities,” outlines Mrs Perry.

If you’re convinced your company should be doing something to get in front of Rugby World Cup visitors, how to you get started?  Sandra Perry says there are numerous ways Hamilton and Waikato businesses can get plugged in. 

“First of all, if you are in the equine, aviation or motorsport industries and want to get involved with any of the three events that are already in the planning stages, give Opportunity Hamilton a call and we’ll put you in touch with event organisers so you won’t miss out,” she says.

And if you’re in a different industry, but don’t know how to get started, Opportunity Hamilton can also help.

“We’re working with companies who know they want to do something around Rugby World Cup, but just don’t know how to get started.  That’s what we’re here for.  Opportunity Hamilton has been appointed by the Government as the Waikato agency in charge of coordinating all Rugby World Cup business events in our region.

“All enquiries and requests from international business people coming through the Government’s 2011 Business Club for our region will come through our offices and we’ll make the local connections.  So, make Opportunity Hamilton your first port of call before you get started with your hosting plans,” she explains.

Opportunity Hamilton can also assist businesses interested in just hosting individual business people. 

“Remember, you don’t have to be overwhelmed thinking you have to plan a major event like the equine or aviation industries are doing.  You can just sign up to host business people who have indicated they are interested in your industry.  Hosting individuals can be simple yet lucrative,” explains Mrs Perry.

Phone Opportunity Hamilton for more information on 07 959 8693.  Businesses can also register to host events through New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s 2011 Business Club webpage:  www.nz2011.govt.nz/business

Launch of the New Zealand 2011 Business Club

The Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman, Associate Minister of Tourism addressed Waikato business leaders on Friday 25 June 2010 at SKYCITY Hamilton as part of the launch of the New Zealand 2011 Business Club.

Minister Coleman said, “Rugby World Cup is one of the world's biggest sports events and as hosts we have an unprecedented opportunity to boost New Zealand's international profile, and make lasting gains in trade and tourism. We’re expecting 85,000 international visitors and many of them will be business people."

"The NZ 2011 Business Club offers Waikato businesses a unique opportunity to expand their networks and develop links with those international visitors. It’s an ideal vehicle to build those connections in a way that’s second nature to New Zealanders - as great hosts.”

Sandra Perry, Chief Executive of Opportunity Hamilton, urged regional businesses to get involved with the New Zealand 2011 Business Club and make connections with overseas business people during the Rugby World Cup.

Mrs Perry said Opportunity Hamilton will take the lead to work with businesses to plan and host a range of events.

The event was also attended by special guest, ex-All Black, Colin Meads.

Sandra Perry Chief Executive Opportunity Hamilton, Mayor Waitomo District Mark Ammon and Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman Sir Colin Meads and Paul Barlow Opportunity Hamilton

Sandra Perry Chief Executive Opportunity Hamilton, Mayor Waitomo District Mark Ammon and Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman


Sir Colin Meads and Paul Barlow Opportunity Hamilton
 Three tertiary institutions, - The University of Waikato, Wintec and Te Wananga o Aotearoa are located in Hamilton.  The University of Waikato generates 3% of the region’s total revenue and nearly $1 billion for the New Zealand economy as a whole.  Hamilton is a student city, with more than 46,000 people in tertiary study.  Hamilton is building a $68.4 million Claudelands Convention and Exhibition Centre. It includes a 5,000-capacity multipurpose indoor arena, 1,500-capacity conference centre and upgraded exhibition facilities.  Hamilton Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from 8am to noon on River Road.  Hamilton’s population is around 135,000 people and is projected to increase to 178,782 in 2024.  Hamilton has 3.2% of New Zealand’s population and is one of the country’s fastest growing cities.  Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, and 4th largest urban area.  Hamilton is on the main tourist route between Auckland and Taupo. Hamilton is the heart of the Waikato.  Hamilton has a land area of 98.6 km2 (New Zealand's smallest city in terms of land area).  The average age in Hamilton is 31.3 years compared to 35.9 years nationally.  Hamilton has a youthful population - around half of residents are under 30 years old.  New Zealand European makes up three quarters of the population, and Maori 19%.  Hamilton is home to more than 80 ethnic groups from 65 countries.  Over half of all New Zealanders (53 percent) were living in four main urban areas (Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch) at 30 June 2009.  As at February 2008 there were 12,476 small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hamilton. This figure accounted for 94% of the total number of businesses in Hamilton.  SMEs contribution to employment in Hamilton stands at 33% which equates to 25,810 employees.  The growth of SMEs in Hamilton city between 2000 and 2008 was 31% which is above the 25% percent growth recorded in the rest of New Zealand over the same time period.  Hamilton is the home of the mighty Chiefs and Waikato rugby teams and the 26,000 capacity Waikato Stadium.  Hamilton will host 3 matches in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.  Hamilton will host the New Zealand round of the prestigious V8 Supercar Championship in the city for the fourth year in 2011. The inaugural race in April 2008 attracted 172,000 attendees plus 5,000 people associated with the running of the event. The event generated $28.3 million of new money into the local economy in the first year and is estimated to generate $156 million over the seven years that the event will run.  Over 100,000 people annually visit New Zealand National Agriculture Fieldays held at Mystery Creek (10 minutes south of Hamilton), which is the largest agricultural event held in the Southern Hemisphere. Each year generates around $290 million sales.  As the centre of the thoroughbred industry, Hamilton has an excellent racing venue at Te Rapa. A national trotting track is 15 minutes drive from Hamilton in Cambridge.  Hamilton hosted the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karipiro (30 minutes south of Hamilton)   Raglan is 40 minutes by road from Hamilton and home to one of the world’s longest left-hand surf breaks.  Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native New Zealand and exotic animals, set in 25 ha of tranquil surroundings.