KEY POINTS:
The Government has stumped up $1.5 million to support the under-17 women's World Cup to be held in New Zealand from October 28.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and Economic Development Minister Pete Hodgson announced the money would come from the Government's Major Events Development Fund.
The fund's purpose is to maximise the return to New Zealand as a whole from major events.
"By successfully hosting this FIFA World Cup, New Zealand will be well-positioned to bid for other FIFA events. This experience also helps us build the event management capability we need to manage major events," Miss Clark said today.
Not only would New Zealand directly host about 2500 international visitors for the $11.8 million tournament but it would also be watched by an estimated TV audience of more than 125 million.
There are 16 teams in the tournament, with 32 games in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.
The tournament opens on the October 28 in Auckland with a game between New Zealand and Canada.
- NZPA
