The 2021 Wanaka A&P Show brought $28.6M worth of direct economic benefits to the area, an independent study has found.

The report, prepared by Research First, looked at the total expenditure by visitors, trade exhibitors, volunteers, spectators and competitors over the two-day event in March.

The amount of total direct spending was up $17.7M on the previous independent economic impact report, undertaken in 2015 (which found that the show contributed $10.9M worth of direct economic benefits). No economic multipliers have been applied.

Of the $28.6M, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago District visitors contributed an estimated $15.9M in incidental spend. Non-local show attendees contributed an estimated $9.4M in total event-motivated spending and $3.4M total incidental spend (not event-motivated)

“The increase in total local dollars is an indicator of the importance of community events in our area,” Wanaka-based report author and Research First insight specialist Liz Morley said. 

Jack Russells line up for the annual race.

“The $9.4M figure is the amount of new money brought into the Wanaka economy as a direct result of staging this event. Attendees from outside the local Wanaka area contributed to a third of the expenditure impact.”

The research also found the event was popular with locals and visitors alike, with 55 per cent of the 45,000 participants coming from the Queenstown Lakes District, and 45 per cent coming from other parts of New Zealand.

“Of those who have travelled from outside the region, the vast majority were South Islanders (94 per cent), but a few came from as far north as Auckland. Covid-19 border closures have of course meant that all attendees were currently living in NZ,” the report said.

Those from outside the region generally stayed in Wanaka, and most stayed for more than one night. Of those staying in Wanaka, 50 per cent stayed in commercial accommodation (including hotel, motel, Airbnb, or rented holiday homes). Of those out-of-town visitors who stayed overnight, the average stay was 3.5 nights

“The show continues to grow in popularity every year, especially within our district and wider region, and this latest report demonstrates this,” Wanaka Show event manager Jane Stalker said. 

“It’s heartening to see that this important community event has helped bring a substantial amount of money into Wanaka after a difficult period for our local economy, due to Covid-19.”

The show is owned by the not-for-profit Upper Clutha A&P Society. Each year the society grants approximately $65,000 in cash and in-kind donations to community groups and organisations through the show’s ‘Cheers Wanaka’ give-back programme.

This year’s Wanaka A&P Show, held on March 13-14, attracted 45,000 people. This is the second independent economic impact report undertaken for the Wanaka A&P Show.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App