AusLeisure

Dunedin-based investment company Forsyth Barr has committed to another 10-year naming rights partnership for the city’s multi-purpose venue - the home of Super Rugby’s Highlanders.

Known as the Forsyth Barr Stadium since its opening in 2011, the extended partnership will run for another decade through to 2031.

Terry Davies, Chief Executive of Dunedin Venues Management Limited (DVML), which operates the roofed venue, welcomed the deal, commenting “Forsyth Barr has been fundamental to the success of the stadium. They have been our partner since day one, and we are thrilled that they will be alongside us for the next 10 years.

“A 20-year corporate partnership is a relatively rare thing and we’re absolutely delighted to re-sign a long-term partnership with a stalwart of the Dunedin business scene.”

Forsyth Barr Board Chair David Kirk says the reconfirmed sponsorship is a vote of confidence in the Dunedin region.

Kink noted “many people will know that the very first Forsyth Barr office opened here in 1936. We’re committed supporters of the region and staunch advocates for what Dunedin and Otago deliver to New Zealand.”

In reconfirming the partnership, Forsyth Barr Managing Director Neil Paviour-Smith said the company had worked closely with DVML to create and maintain a world-class venue.

Paviour-Smith added “Forsyth Barr Stadium is acknowledged as one of the best facilities in the world. It’s a favourite with international acts, and one of the preferred arenas for the best sports teams to perform in. We believe the stadium team has done an outstanding job”.

“We are committed to ensuring that New Zealanders have access to world-class. Our business is focused on ensuring New Zealanders enjoy the benefit of world-class investment advice to help them grow and manage their wealth. Our stadium partnership gives New Zealanders the opportunity to see the likes of the All Blacks, the Football Ferns, Ed Sheeran or Kendrick Lamar. This is inspiring, and we’re very proud of the impact exposure to this world-class talent has on New Zealanders.

“2020 has been a tough year. This early recommitment is a strong signal of our confidence in the future of the stadium, the region and the economy.”

The Stadium has been estimated to have attracted $77 million into the city from out-of-Dunedin visitors while, in 2018 alone, 236,000 patrons attended concerts and an All Black test at the venue.

As well as hosting the Highlanders, the venue is also home to the Otago Rugby Football Union team in the domestic Mitre 10 Cup and hosted four matches of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It has also hosted major music tours, and before the COVID-19 pandemic had featured Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Pink and Kendrick Lamar.

DVML last year reported total contracted revenues of $10.8 million.

Built at a cost of $224 million, the venue has capacity for more than 28,000 people for a sports match and up to 36,000 for a concert, at both pitch level and across three stands.

Forsyth Barr paid a rumoured $5 million for naming rights in 2011.

Forsyth Barr Stadium's naming rights (top) and the venue hosting rock band Aerosmith in 2013 (below).

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