The event is expected to be worth NZ$10 million to Auckland, with 9,000 participants travelling internationally to attend the event. Almost 67,000 room nights will be generated by the Games.
The New Zealand Government has funded the event to the tune of NZ$7 million, representing the largest sum ever given to an international arts event by the central government.
“It’s the biggest choral competition and festival in the world, so I’m absolutely thrilled that New Zealand gets to play host for the first time,” said the country’s economic development minister Melissa Lee.
“Both Kiwis and international visitors are expected to flock to events across the 11-day festival, providing a boost to the local economy.”
There are 250 choirs from 40 countries performing at the Games, including many from China. The largest choir, with 176 singers, is from Auckland, while the smallest is an Indonesian choir with just six members.
Collectively, over the 11 days, there will be the equivalent of more than eight and a half days and nights of solid singing, between the competitions of the Games and the various Friendship Concerts taking place all over Auckland.
Ten venues across the city will host competitions and concerts, including Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Sky Tower, several churches and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Spark Arena is also hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies for the Games.
“As a UNESCO City of Music, the World Choir Games will not only enrich our local cultural landscape but also provide a significant economic boost, foster community engagement and enhance Auckland’s global reputation as a premier events destination,” said Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s director of destination, Annie Dundas.
Auckland Unlimited is supporting the event.
However, a comment from the president of INTERKULTUR, which organises the Games, also highlights one of the potential challenges for events like this to come to Australia and New Zealand.
“The 13th World Choir Games mark a significant milestone – at 18,166 kilometres, the farthest event from our organisational office in Germany to date,” said INTERKULTUR president Günter Titsch.
“This impressively showcases our mission to unite people around the globe through music. I am looking forward to a unique cultural exchange and, most especially, to experiencing the incredible Māori culture and music.”
