Spending boost in Otago

Returning students, cruise ship visits and events at Forsyth Barr Stadium helped deliver close to a $15 million boost for the Otago economy last month, Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie says.

Paymark figures show $213.9 million was spent across the province during February, a 7.5% increase when compared with the corresponding month last year.

That spending upswing pleased Mr Christie, who said the figures were ''a pretty accurate barometer on what is happening in our economy''.

February was a notable month for Dunedin, with students returning, more than 20 cruise ships having visited and Forsyth Barr Stadium hosting several large sporting and music events.

The figures showed the value of having events in the city which attracted people from outside the area, Mr Christie said.

''Out-of-town money coming in and spending in the city is particularly good for the economy. A dollar in from outside the region is worth a lot more to us ... and the more we get of that the better.''

The stadium recorded its biggest week from February 17 to February 23, which included Orientation events, the Highlanders v Chiefs match and the pre-season encounter between the Warriors and Brisbane Broncos.

The sold-out Orientation headliner of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on February 21 coincided with a $1 million (14.2%) increase in Paymark figures when compared with the previous February.

Spending was largely driven by the retail and hospitality sectors, and it was hoped these trends would continue as retailers, in particular, ''have weathered some difficult months'', Mr Christie said.

''But these are positive indicators. We want them to continue that trend ... It is a good thing for our city and long may it continue.''

hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz