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.
On this page I tēnei whārangi
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.
These events deliver broader benefits for New Zealand. Events support jobs, especially in regions, and bring more international visitors to New Zealand, supporting our local businesses and economy.
The package is particularly aimed at supporting our hospitality and tourism industry, getting more international and domestic visitors staying in accommodation, eating out in restaurants, and visiting other attractions. It also gives Kiwis more opportunities to enjoy events and tourism activities across the country.
The Events Attraction Package is part of the wider $70 million Major Events and Tourism package announced by the Government in September 2025. The total funding amount for all events supported by the Events Attraction Package will be released once all events are announced.
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 can be found here.
Event selection and criteria
The New Zealand Major Events team at MBIE worked with industry leaders and independent event experts to identify a long list of potential large-scale international event prospects for 2026 and 2027 that could form part of the package. These events have been considered for their capacity to attract large audiences and international visitors.
The Events Attraction Package is not a contestable fund. Selection is by invitation-only and the Government will make final decisions on which events are supported by the package. Events that align with Government priorities and offer wider public benefits have been given greater consideration during the selection process.
An independent advisory panel developed a short list of events which were invited to submit business cases. The Panel is chaired by Dame Therese Walsh and comprises Steve Tew (High Performance Sport New Zealand Director), Nick Becker (CEO Auckland Football Club), Terry Davies (former CEO at Dunedin Venues) and Bailey Mackey (fìlm and television producer).
The Government will make final decisions on which events are supported by the package.
Decisions to support Events Attraction Package proposals consider several factors including economic stimulus, international profile, regional dispersal of activity, and the broader capability and confidence of New Zealand’s events sector. Assessments are informed by independent economic analysis.