New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced the package that will be rolled out during the next two years.

The package will include:

• A $40 million Events Attraction Package to secure large-scale international events from 2026.
• A $10 million Events Boost Fund to support existing events and attract international opportunities.
• A $10 million Regional Tourism Boost Campaign to incentivise international visitors.
• Up to $10 million for tourism infrastructure upgrades, including cycle trails.

“Major events, whether they are sports showdowns, the world’s most popular artists or well-loved favourites, can be a bonanza for the cities and regions which host them, supporting local jobs and incomes in the hospitality and retail sectors and beyond,” says Minister Upston.

“That’s why we are significantly increasing government investment in the events sector and opening it up to a wider range of opportunities, including concerts which haven’t previously been eligible for funding.

“Major events boost regional economies and give Kiwis and overseas visitors something to anticipate and celebrate.

“This $70 million events and tourism investment package is about energising the events sector, and the investment will allow New Zealand to compete with Australia to host big acts and will give international visitors even more reasons to come and explore New Zealand, while also encouraging Kiwis to get out and about.

“To make it happen, we’re combining a significant injection of new money with existing funding to create a critical mass to help events and tourism grow.”

Minister Upston says the investment in events “puts New Zealand on a par with Queensland”.

“We know big events deliver,” she says. “For example, over three years, 14 Auckland shows – including Coldplay and Pearl Jam – generated NZ$33.7 million for the local economy with 490,000 attendees.

“We want to see more action like that and we are stepping up with incentives to promoters to make it happen.

“This announcement is also significant for local communities and local government; communities up and down New Zealand benefit hugely from events, and it’s important local government is also involved in supporting activity in their regions with resources.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, directly contributing NZ$17 billion to GDP and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.

“This investment will see more people coming to New Zealand, staying in accommodation, eating in our restaurants, visiting attractions and shopping while they are here.

“In the short-to-medium term, this package further positions New Zealand as the go-to events and tourism destination for these visitors.”