FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy kicks off

The Government is investing around $19 million to support upgrades at 30 of the 32 potential sporting facilities earmarked for the tournament, including pitch, lighting and facility enhancements, and gender-neutral changing spaces.

The venues and local councils are also contributing to the costs of these upgrades.

MBIE's Manager New Zealand Major Events, Kylie Hawker-Green says this is an excellent example of the benefits of hosting major international events.

“These upgrades are the first example of how hosting the world’s largest women’s sporting event will leave a lasting legacy for our country,” says Kylie.

“The upgrades will benefit the communities and different sporting codes that use these facilities and also put Aotearoa New Zealand in a stronger position when bidding to host major international events in the future.

“MBIE is working closely with the rest of our government whānau to ensure the benefits of hosting the event are maximised for New Zealand and New Zealanders. These upgrades are an excellent first example of how co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup will benefit our country, but it won’t be the last.”

Four stadia will host matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Eden Park, Waikato Stadium, Wellington Regional Stadium and Dunedin Stadium.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA has also introduced Team Base Camps – headquarters for each team that include accommodation and training facilities.

There are 21 venues in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, Rotorua, Napier, Palmerston North, Tauranga and Christchurch earmarked for Team Base Camps. Of these, 16 will end up being selected and used by teams throughout the tournament.

The Government’s investment includes $5 million through Sport New Zealand for gender neutral changing room upgrades at some of these venues.

Read the ministerial announcement(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz