Media release - 23 May 2011
Auckland to host 2014 World Veterans Table Tennis Championships

The Mayor is describing Auckland winning the rights to host the 2014 World Veterans Table Tennis Championships - one of the largest table tennis events in the world - as a "fabulous" achievement for New Zealand which will provide a boost for tourism and economic development.

Table Tennis New Zealand this week announced that its bid to host this major event in May 2014 has been successful. It will be the first time New Zealand has held the event and the second time the event has been given to a country in the Oceania region. It is estimated that 2000 participants from 50 nations will take part in the five-day competition.

Len Brown says Auckland has actively supported the bid by Table Tennis New Zealand for hosting rights through the Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development agency (ATEED).

"I congratulate Table Tennis New Zealand for securing the rights to host this fantastic sports event and the first of its kind to be held in New Zealand," the Mayor says.

"Another key advantage of hosting the event in May is that it will increase tourist activity over a traditionally quiet time in the Auckland tourist season. In total, we expect the regional return on investment of this event to be $2.3 million, which represents a great boost for Auckland.

"The event also represents an invaluable opportunity for the country to gain international media coverage, to highlight New Zealand as a wonderful destination to visit and compete, at the same time enjoying our warm hospitality. We look forward to welcoming competitors, fans and associated partners to Auckland and hosting them here.

"To all those who have worked hard to bring about this successful result, I thank you," he says.

Len Brown says Auckland looks forward to playing its part as detailed plans for the event are developed.

In the coming months ATEED will work with Table Tennis New Zealand to develop the programme of the 2014 World Veterans Table Tennis Championships.

ENDS

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