Red Hot Chili Peppers pump $10m into Dunedin economy, more big acts to come
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The man behind the country’s only covered stadium could only watch as booking after booking was cancelled.
In early 2020, about 500 events – ranging from community events to large concerts, some even yet to be announced – were cancelled at facilities managed by Dunedin Venues Management Ltd, including Forsyth Barr Stadium.
“Initially it was like, you are out of business, you are finished,” chief executive Terry Davies said.
“It has been a roller coaster, a brutal three years, and now we are into some interesting times.”
In February 2020, the stadium hosted both Elton John and Queen, attracting more than 65,000 fans. Within weeks, the global Covid-19 pandemic effectively shut down the event industry.
Davies said the company had to cut about 60% of its staff, “through no fault of their own”.
In January, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were the first international act to return to the stadium in three years, attracting 28,166 punters.
Davies said that number could have been even higher, but the concert was held before most students returned to the city for the academic year.
The concert, which included support from Post Malone, injected an estimated $10.52 million into Dunedin’s economy.
A survey found about 58% of concert goers came from outside of Dunedin – mostly from Canterbury.
The visitors stayed an average of 1.8 nights and spent about $660 per person – not including their concert ticket. Of those surveyed, 87% rated the concert experience highly, and 92% said they would attend more major events at the venue.
Major events are now returning in force. Local heroes Six60 recently played the stadium, while Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper are set to play on April 5. Pop star Pink’s March 2024 show had almost sold out already, Davies said.
Christchurch’s $683m Te Kaha stadium – due to be completed in April 2026 – would create a “bidding game” between the South Island’s two biggest cities for large international acts, but Dunedin was ready to compete, Davies said.
“If anyone in Christchurch thinks building a stadium will stop any content coming to Dunedin [they’re] delusional, because that is not going to happen.”
Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?
Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.
The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.
Is a local pet cemetery something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.
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31.3% Yes
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67.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Neighbourly Q&A: Consumer rights with CAB's Andrew Hubbard
What can you do if you buy something that breaks soon after you buy it? It's time for another helpful Q&A.
This week we have Andrew Hubbard from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your consumer rights.
A little bit about Andrew:
Dr Andrew Hubbard is deputy chief executive of Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CAB) and loves working for the CAB so much that he’s been there for more than fifteen years.
Andrew believes in the difference people can make working together in the community and loves being able to support the work of the more than 2000 CAB volunteers across the motu. Andrew’s background is in policy and he’s been actively involved in consumer issues for the fifteen years he’s been at the CAB.
Andrew and the CAB team are ready to answer your questions about your consumer rights. This might be questions about when you can get a refunds, your rights when buying via Facebook or overseas, product delivery issues and what to do if a retailer won't sort a problem out for you. Ask away!
Andrew will be here live on Wednesday at 9.30am, but go ahead, and add your question below now ⇩
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What am I?
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