Homegrown’s $10m haul for city economy

Jim Beam Homegrown boosted Hamilton’s coffers to the tune of $10m in its first year back in the city – and organisers say the festival is set to only get bigger from here.

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After glowing reviews from attendees and residents alike, the success of the country’s largest Kiwi music festival has now been mapped out economically.

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An independent analysis by consultants Fresh Info found the one-day event drew 25,000 attendees to Claudelands Oval including more than 17,885 people from out of town, pumping almost $10m into the local economy.

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In total, the event generated more than 24,648 visitor nights and $4.8m in tourist spending across accommodation, hospitality, retail and transport.

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Hamilton City Council general manager destinations, Sean Murray, told the Waikato Times Homegrown had lived up to “high” expectations and delivered benefits far beyond the festival’s gates.

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Hotels, motels, and other accommodation providers in and around Hamilton were booked out for the event, he said.

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“It basically generates new business for people that would not have otherwise come to the city on that day.”

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