Jake McLellan: Christchurch City Councillor talks the impact of Cup Day on Canterbury's economy, behaviour

It's hoped today's Cup Day in Christchurch will be bigger —and better-behaved— than in years before. 

Addington Raceway is reporting higher ticket sales after slashing general admission ticket prices from $40 to just $25. 

Christchurch City Councillor Jake McLellan says the event is huge for Canterbury's economy. 

He told Ryan Bridge he hopes everyone will keep their behaviour in check. 

McLellan says misbehaviour been in an issue in the past, but Police have made progress in improving the situation in recent years. 

Gates open at Addington at 11am. 

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's the New Zealand Trodden Cup date Addington Raceway and
christ Church today. The races are a big event in
the city's calendar, with hope it will bring in plenty
of visitors and tourism. Jake McClellan's at christ Church Counselor.
He's with us this morning. Jake, good morning, good morning.

Speaker 2 (00:13):
How's how's your wedding looking. I'm good, thank you.

Speaker 3 (00:16):
Yeah, look it's it's looking like it's going to be
an alright day. But I mean, regardless, it's going to
be it's going to be a great day. Obviously, Tuesday
is the biggest, the biggest Cup and show week event
on the calendar.

Speaker 2 (00:33):
It looks like it's going to be a great one.
Tell me about the races today, what's happening and who's
going to win? What's your picks?

Speaker 3 (00:40):
Oh jeez, no, I'm not getting down to the races today,
so I can't say I'm going to take a punt.
I'll suspect a few, suspect a few round here at
my place, will be will be.

Speaker 1 (00:50):
Watching on Jake, what do you mean you're not going?
What's more important than this?

Speaker 3 (00:55):
Well well, council brief things. Unfortunately, but what's your briefings about.

Speaker 2 (01:02):
Surely you can skive off for the afternoon.

Speaker 3 (01:04):
I think the mayor is going to skive off. He's
the only one who gets to skive off at a
teen race day. Unfortunately, we'll be watching the clock to
make sure he's not not a way for too long. No,
it's a great event and it's a massive deal for
the Canterbury economy. Yeah, and we just hope that everyone

(01:24):
behaves themselves.

Speaker 2 (01:26):
Ah, you're a bit worried about people being a bit boozed.

Speaker 3 (01:29):
It has been an issue in the past, but the
event organizers and police have made some real strides in
recent years, so hopefully it's a good day with not
too many perverse consequences.

Speaker 1 (01:42):
What's it worth to the region, Denaw to christ Church, I.

Speaker 3 (01:46):
Don't know off the top of my head. I mean
I think every every you know, every regional holidays is
pretty significant in terms of as a bit of a precursor. Well,
certainly for us it's a precursor internet that summer spending,
you know, whether it's field Days or any other of
the regional holidays. You know, it's a big deal locally,

(02:08):
particularly particularly given how long Cup and Show week go
for so yeah, it's a substantial deal.

Speaker 2 (02:14):
All right, big deal. Go ezy on the Booze, Jake,
thank you, Jake, McLellan christ It's counselor.

Speaker 3 (02:20):
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