The country's Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce announced the investment to be taken from the New Zealand Government's Major Events Development Fund.

Next year's Games, due to take place from August 21 to 30, will be boosted by a financial injection of NZD$1.5 million (£763,000/$1.3 million/€950,000) with NZD$1.25 million (£636,000/$1.06 million/€792,000) earmarked for the 2017 edition.

The investment is aimed at supporting the events goal to become one of the top three snow sports events in the world and continue to profile New Zealand internationally as a premier winter destination.

"This event generates excellent international exposure for New Zealand, showcasing some of our most spectacular scenery," said Joyce.

"The Games also deliver a significant economic boost for the country as many of the athletes choose to stay for an extended period of time to train in New Zealand in the lead up to their event.

"Further investment through the Major Events Development Fund will ensure this event continues to achieve success, while building a platform to become independent of Government support in the future.

"Winter Games New Zealand is a home-grown event that is consistent with the Government's strategy of investing in events that deliver economic results and successfully showcase New Zealand internationally as a desirable visitor and major events destination."

The Winter Games NZ have been held in the Otago region of the country since 2009
©Getty Images



First held in 2009, the biennial Games attract elite winter sports athletes, including multiple Olympic and Paralympic medallists and world champions in free skiing, snowboarding, Alpine skiing and curling.

They are staged in the Otago region of New Zealand with events taking place in Dunedin, Queenstown, Naseby and Wanaka.

"I very much look forward to working with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in growing the reach of the Games into markets important to New Zealand, specifically into Asia," said Audi quattro Winter Games chief executive Arthur Klap.

"Winter Games NZ 2017 will be a key qualifying event for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

"What we have achieved in just three events in terms of our standing on the world stage is nothing short of remarkable.

"Having the confidence of Government backing for the 2015 and 2017 events will allow us to build on this and continue to present New Zealand at the forefront of winter sports with all the associated economic benefits, not just for the host region of the Southern Lakes but also New Zealand as a whole."

Winter Games NZ chief executive Arhur Klap has welcomed the increased Government funding announcement ©Getty Images



Last year, around 700 athletes from 41 countries took part in the Games.

A report produced by organisers claimed that the Games generated a net national benefit of NZD$7.8 million (£4 million/$6.6 million/€4.9 million).

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