Major Events and Tourism package
The Major Events and Tourism Package will grow international visitor numbers, deliver economic growth, and position New Zealand as a major events and tourism destination.
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About the package
The Major Events and Tourism Package is the second phase of the Government’s work to drive economic growth and boost international visitor numbers. Approximately $70 million has been allocated to:
| Project | Description | Total funding |
|---|---|---|
| Events Attraction Package | A package to secure significant, high-impact events for New Zealand from 2026. | $40 million |
| Events Boost Fund | A fund to support new and existing sports, creative and cultural events that will be delivered during 2026. | $10 million |
| Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2) | A fund to support regions to attract more international visitors to travel, stay and dine in New Zealand. | $10 million |
| Events and Infrastructure upgrades | Upgrades to existing infrastructure for events and tourism to support trade and enhance visitor experiences. | $10 million |
Events Attraction Package
The Events Attraction Package is aimed at showstopper events that attract large audiences and international visitors – such as major sports, music, and cultural events. It is common practice in a globally competitive market for events, that incentive funding is provided to attract international entertainment and sporting content.
The Government wants international event rights holders and artists to choose New Zealand as a host destination. New Zealand is a safe, reliable host nation that welcomes event organisers, talent and fans. New Zealand’s geographic location positions it strongly as a host for the opening or closing legs of international touring events.
The Events Attraction Package is part of the wider $70 million Major Events and Tourism package announced by the Government in September 2025.
The final package of events will be curated to ensure a mix of different kinds of events, with regional and seasonal spread also a consideration.
Events announced to date:
- Linkin Park – Auckland
- ULTRA Music Festival – Wellington
- FIFA World Series – Auckland
- World Surf League Championship – Raglan
- Robbie Williams – Christchurch and Auckland
- New Zealand International Football Festival – Auckland
- LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition – Wellington
- Post Malone – Auckland
- The Snow League World Challenge: Wānaka
More information:
Events Boost Fund
The Events Boost Fund is a one-off contestable fund to support the growth and promotion of events delivered during the 2026 calendar year. The Events Boost Fund aims to increase international visitation and drive economic activity in the short term. Events Boost Fund investments are expected to add value by enhancing spending on promotional or content purposes. The funding round closed 30 September 2025.
More information:
Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2)
The Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2) marketing campaign was a fund to support regions to attract more international visitors to travel, stay and dine in New Zealand in 2026. It is now closed.
More information, including funding recipients:
Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2)
Events and Infrastructure Upgrades
The funding allocated to events and tourism infrastructure upgrades will attract more visitors to our cities and regions by enhancing their experiences, while also boosting trade. Investment into infrastructure ensures the future of key events that significantly contribute to our economy while creating jobs through construction and maintenance.
The Government has chosen a select number of key tourism infrastructure projects to fund. Selection focused on projects that drive economic confidence, elevate the visitor experience, and where work could begin right away.
Investments announced to date:
- Centre court roof upgrade for Auckland’s Manuka Doctor Arena
- Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trail
- Dunedin Tunnels Trail extension
- Whakakarewarewa Forest Loop