World Masters Games in Auckland pumped $63m into national economy

The 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland have been touted a success with organisers announcing an $800,000 profit and with visitors pumping $63 million into the country's economy.

Nearly 30 thousand amateur athletes from all over the world were in Auckland for the games earlier this year.

Chief executive Jennah Wooton said the games exceeded all targets and the event has been declared the best since 1985.

Back in 2013 when planning started, organisers never expected such a result would be possible, she said.

Research released today showed the games saw 241,480 guest nights and $34.2m pumped into Auckland's economy. Nationwide, visitors spent $63m with a total of 302,509 guest nights.

2017 World Masters games competitors New Zealander Garth Barfoot and his Russian billet Boris Kirillov, both 84, celebrate finishing the sprint triathlon in St Heliers. Photo/File

"It is a very satisfactory result and conclusion to the World Masters Games in April, which exceeded all economic and social goals and expectations," said 2017 Games chairman Sir John Wells.

"It was an outstanding World Masters Games experience for the 28,578 participants involved and proved once again that New Zealand can deliver a complex major event with imagination and operational excellence."

The surplus would be used to establish a fund for the purpose of benefiting amateur sports events and initiatives across the 28 sports involved in the games, Wooton said.

The fund will be administered by WMG2017 shareholder Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.

The next World Masters Games will take place in Kansai, Japan from May 15-30, 2021.