The Government has defended its decision to support Robbie Williams’ Christchurch concert with public funding, saying the move is designed to boost tourism, jobs and economic activity.

The decision comes amid criticism from smaller New Zealand promoters, who say it favours major international operators and raises concerns the Government is being pressured into funding high profile events.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upson told chrislynchmedia.com the funding formed part of a $40 million major events allocation designed to lift visitor numbers.

“One of the things that we’ve been really clear about with this major events and tourism package is really wanting to have a shot in the arm in terms of tourism.”

“We have seen some great results in terms of growing visitor numbers to New Zealand and we know that that has a direct impact on local economies on jobs on shops being busy on accommodation being full and cafes and restaurants for example.”

Upson said concerts were now being included as part of a broader strategy to drive activity.

“Concerts haven’t previously been part of our major events landscape.”

“What we wanted to do with this major events and tourism package is do something different make sure we are injecting local activity. We’re trying to provide something for everyone. For every dollar spent on a live performance, $320 is returned in benefits to the wider community.”

Upson said attracting Robbie Williams to Christchurch was also about putting the city back on the global touring map.

“Robbie Williams for example I don’t believe has been in Christchurch for 25 years.”

“We wanted to make sure that New Zealand is where it should be on the map in terms of international artists in terms of arts and culture international sporting events.”

She said the funding was not just about individual artists but about strengthening the wider events sector.

“What I’ve heard clearly from the sector is that there needs to be a pipeline of events that keep the event industry going.”

“Whether it’s a large business conference for 3000 people whether it’s an artist like Robbie Williams whether it’s the World Surfing League we want to ensure that we’re investing in events that create economic activity in New Zealand.”

Upson said the Government had deliberately spread investment across the country.

“I don’t think it would have been popular for those in Canterbury if we had only supported events that were in Auckland and Wellington for example.”

“It’s about a geographic spread it’s about getting events across the calendar year so that we are spreading our international visitors across the country.”

She said New Zealand needed to compete harder with Australia for major acts.

“In many instances artists will go to Australia but they are reluctant to then cross the ditch to New Zealand.”

“This major events fund is a one off fund.”

Upson said the goal was to create long term momentum without ongoing subsidies.

“We want artists like that to have an amazing experience and their promoters so that next time they are considering where to bring an artist they know that Christchurch delivers a great show.”

“Christchurch delivers a great experience the visitors that come for that event have a fantastic time in Christchurch in New Zealand.”

The Government has not ruled out similar funding in the future, pending a full review.

“When we have completed all of these events there will be a robust evaluation of the economic impact. We are going to do a review of our current New Zealand event strategy.”

Upson rejected criticism the funding amounted to corporate welfare or that promoters were gaining leverage.

“I would fully reject that. We’ve been clear that this is a one off fund.”

“If you look at states in Australia they are well used to investing and funding a wide range of events to come to their cities and states. New Zealand’s been very behind.”

“The very intention of this is all about economic growth and opportunities for New Zealanders.”

“Robbie Williams coming to New Zealand and in particular coming to Christchurch for the first time in 25 years will be an absolute boost for Canterbury.”

Meanwhile, Venues Otautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie Teare told chrislynchmedia.com the event was not funded by ratepayers.

“There has been no rate payer funding attributed to the attraction of Robbie Williams to One New Zealand Stadium.”

“The funding of major events is self funded through Venues Otautahi operating profits.”

She said incentives were standard practice internationally.

“It is common and expected practice globally regardless of venue that incentive funding is required for the attraction of international entertainment and sporting content.”

“This funding is required to support the commercial viability of bringing international acts to New Zealand, being generally the most expensive country to get to, move around and employ across global tour locations.”

Harvie Teare said events secured by Venues Otautahi were funded internally.

“All events attracted by Venues Otautahi to One New Zealand Stadium are self funded.”

She said other events at the stadium had received public funding through separate organisations.

“Any events attracted by other parties, such as ChristchurchNZ, which include Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round and the Rugby League World Cup, which have utilised public funding, questions will need to be directed to ChristchurchNZ.”

“These will still, on average, deliver an estimated $23 economic impact return for every dollar invested in attracting these events to the city.”