The future of the Winter Games NZ has been secured for the next five years with the government committing to support the event. 

The government announced this morning (Saturday May 6) it is backing the competition through support from the Major Events Fund, a special fund to keep high profile events in New Zealand because of their long-term economic, social and cultural benefits.

“Securing a five-year funding commitment from central government allows us to plan our future with certainty,” Winter Games NZ CEO, Marty Toomey said. 

“This funding support will allow us to showcase Aotearoa New Zealand to the world through epic content captured during the biggest snow sports programme we have ever delivered.”

The Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Grant Robertson said the funding will ensure Kiwi snow sport athletes can compete in a significant competition in front of a home audience, which supports the athletes and inspires future talent.

“The competition in Central Otago aligns strongly with Sport NZ and High-Performance Sport NZ strategies and is critical to our campaign planning and preparation for the Winter Olympics,” he said.

“I am proud that organisers and athletes can now look forward to a great competition.”

Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said the government will contribute up to $6M from the Major Events Fund to support the Winter Games between 2023 and 2027, providing long-term confidence to organisers and commercial partners.

“Proudly Kiwi, the Winter Games NZ is a homegrown event,” Barbara said. 

"Winter Games NZ attracts between 500 and 600 athletes and generates an influential international following. It will support the region’s post-Covid-19 recovery and generate a number of new economic and social and cultural opportunities.

The Winter Games was first held in 2009 and has grown to become the largest annual snow sports event in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The 2023 event will run from August 25 to September 16 and includes Freeski, Snowboard, Alpine Ski racing and Freeride events. Further events and a full schedule are expected to be confirmed soon.

PHOTO: Supplied