More regional events to get funding boost

Published: 29 May 2025

The Government is investing $2.6 million into 152 regional events across the country. Events are excellent drawcards to get more visitors into our regions, particularly in quieter parts of the year for the tourism sector.

Funding comes from second round of the $5 million Regional Events Promotion Fund, which supports regions to promote local events attracting domestic tourists.

Events funded this round include the National Waka Ama Sprint Championships in Waikato, the National Jazz Festival in the Bay of Plenty, the 2026 Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, and the NZ Premier Motorsport Summer Series events around the country.

Some of the new events coming to the regions include the Whakapapa Festival, a non-skiing event in June 2026 and Summernats NZ, a car festival in the Waikato.

Over its 2 rounds the Fund has invested in 284 regional events.

The full list of funding recipients is available on the MBIE website.

Regional Events Promotion Fund round 2 funding recipients

Read the Minister's announcement:

More regional events to get funding boost(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

MBIE media contact

Email: media@mbie.govt.nz