Sports News & Articles
Minister Winston Peters Urges NZ Racing Industry to Unite for a Strong Future
1 day ago | 60 viewsMinister for Racing Winston Peters urges New Zealand’s racing industry to collaborate for a strong, sustainable future in response to a report by the TAB New Zealand Racing Advisory Committee highlighting the need for unified reform. He emphasizes that successful reform requires collective commitment and shared understanding among key stakeholders, rather than isolated efforts, especially with a General Election approaching. Peters encourages industry participants to work constructively within existing legislation before pursuing large-scale government intervention or legislative changes.
Tags: Winston Peters TAB New Zealand New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Harness Racing New Zealand New Zealand Racing Advisory Committee racing industry racing reform government General Election legislative reformNew Zealand's 2026 Events Attraction Package Brings Global Sports, Music, and Exhibitions
3 weeks ago | 219 viewsNew Zealand's Government, through its $40 million Events Attraction Package, is securing a range of world-class events including the inaugural Snow League World Challenge at Cardrona, major concerts like Post Malone's tour, and sporting fixtures such as the New Zealand International Football Festival. These events are expected to boost local economies by increasing tourism, hospitality, and business activity while also delivering long-term benefits through community engagement and sector development. The package supports a diverse lineup of events across the country, contributing to a standout year for tourism and entertainment in 2026.
Tags: Louise Upston Post Malone Ryan McNaught Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea F.C Women LEGO Star Wars Linkin Park Robbie Williams FIFA World Series World Surf LeagueChelsea F.C. Women to Play Auckland FC at International Football Festival in NZ
1 month ago | 447 viewsChelsea F.C. Women will play Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI at Eden Park on August 8, marking the first time a Women’s Super League club competes in New Zealand, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. This event, part of the International Football Festival, aims to boost Auckland’s economy, create jobs, and showcase New Zealand globally as a premier destination for sport and entertainment. The Government’s investment also supports other major events like concerts and sports tournaments, enhancing tourism and cultural offerings nationwide.
Tags: Chelsea F. C. Women Louise Upston Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI Tottenham Hotspur FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Linkin Park Robbie Williams Ultra Music Festival FIFA World Series World Surf League Championship TourNew Zealand Ends Greyhound Racing by 2026 to Ensure Animal Welfare and Support
2 months ago | 517 viewsRacing Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the passing of legislation to end greyhound racing in New Zealand, citing serious animal welfare concerns and overwhelming parliamentary support for the bill. The government will establish a transition agency to oversee the wind-down of the industry, support dog rehoming, and assist affected workers with retraining and wellbeing services. The ban will take effect from August 1, 2026, ensuring a responsible and compassionate phase-out aligned with global trends away from the sport.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Murray Johnson Lindsay Burton New Zealand greyhound racing Racing Minister Ministerial Advisory Committee Ministry of Social Development ParliamentNew Zealand Hosts International Football Festival Featuring Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park
2 months ago | 522 viewsNew Zealand will host the inaugural International Football Festival, featuring Tottenham Hotspur playing Auckland FC at Eden Park on July 26, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. The event marks the first English top-flight men’s club match in New Zealand since 2014 and includes a week of immersive football experiences, boosting local tourism and the economy. Tickets start at $19 for children and $39 for adults, with the festival also aiming to showcase New Zealand as a premier global destination for sport and entertainment.
Tags: New Zealand Tottenham Hotspur Auckland FC Eden Park Louise Upston International Football Festival Major Events and Tourism Package Premier League Spurs Tourism and Hospitality MinisterJames McDonald Becomes Australasia’s Most Successful Group 1 Jockey at 34
3 months ago | 481 viewsMinister for Racing Winston Peters congratulated James McDonald for becoming Australasia’s most successful Group 1 jockey with 130 victories, surpassing Damien Oliver's record. At just 34, McDonald's achievement highlights his exceptional talent, professionalism, and dedication to the sport. Peters emphasized McDonald's status as a global superstar and ambassador for Australasian racing through his strong public connection and partnerships with top trainers.
Tags: Winston Peters James McDonald Damien Oliver Chris Waller Australasian Group 1 champion jockey Minister for Racing world’s best jockey award racing community Group 1 riderNZ Racing Minister Backs Greyhound Rehoming Plans Amid Racing Phase-Out
3 months ago | 552 viewsRacing Minister Winston Peters supports plans to rehome greyhounds as New Zealand transitions away from greyhound racing, emphasizing a careful, multi-stage process involving industry input and select committee feedback. The Ministerial Advisory Committee proposes establishing a transition agency to manage dog care, provide mental health and retraining support for industry workers, and collaborate with animal welfare groups to ensure successful rehoming. This transition follows years of reviews highlighting animal welfare issues and reflects strong public support for ending greyhound racing.
Tags: Winston Peters Racing Minister greyhound racing Ministerial Advisory Committee select committee SPCA New Zealand greyhound rehoming animal welfare transition agencyNew Alcohol Licensing Rules Boost Sports and Community Clubs in NZ
4 months ago | 670 viewsSports clubs, RSAs, and community clubs in New Zealand will now have the option to choose between a club licence or an on-licence for serving alcohol, allowing them to serve the wider public beyond just members and their guests. This change enables clubs to host more events, attract more customers, and increase revenue, which can be reinvested into community facilities and activities. Additionally, it opens up club facilities to the broader community, providing greater access to affordable hospitality and social spaces previously restricted by licensing laws.
Tags: Nicole McKee Associate Justice Minister sports clubs RSAs community clubs club licence alcohol serving New Zealand local communitiesNew Alcohol Licensing Laws Boost Community Clubs and Local Events in NZ
4 months ago | 695 viewsSports clubs, RSAs, and community clubs in New Zealand will soon have the option to choose between a club licence or an on-licence for serving alcohol, allowing them to serve the wider public beyond just members and their guests. This change aims to enable clubs to host more events, increase revenue, and better support their communities by funding activities, facilities, and equipment. Additionally, the reform will make club facilities more accessible to the public, enhancing community engagement and enjoyment.
Tags: Nicole McKee Associate Justice Minister sports clubs RSAs community clubs club licence alcohol serving local communities New ZealandNew Zealand to Host Historic First State of Origin Match at Eden Park in 2027
4 months ago | 632 viewsNew Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin rugby league match in 2027 at Eden Park, marking a historic milestone expected to attract over 10,000 Australian visitors and generate $17.4 million for Auckland's economy. The event, supported by the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, and the Australian Rugby League Commission, aims to boost tourism and showcase Auckland as a premier destination for major international events. Recent changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park will facilitate hosting more large-scale events, further enhancing New Zealand's global sporting profile.
Tags: New Zealand Eden Park Auckland Louise Upston State of Origin Australian Rugby League Commission Blues Maroons Queensland New South WalesNRL All Stars 2026 in Hamilton: Rugby League Celebration Boosts Waikato Economy
4 months ago | 654 viewsThe 2026 NRL All Stars event, supported by the Government, will take place in Hamilton on February 15, featuring men’s and women’s games, cultural ceremonies, and community activities. This trans-Tasman celebration unites Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori players, promoting sport, culture, and grassroots rugby league development. The event is expected to boost local tourism, hospitality, and the economy in Hamilton and the wider Waikato region.
Tags: Hamilton NRL All Stars Louise Upston Waikato Rugby League New Zealand Australia FMG Stadium Aboriginal MāoriWSL Championship Tour Comes to Raglan, New Zealand in May 2026
5 months ago | 3135 viewsThe World Surf League (WSL) will host its 2026 Championship Tour event, the New Zealand Pro, in Raglan, marking the first combined men’s and women’s WSL event in the country. Scheduled for May 15-25, the competition will feature top surfers at Raglan’s renowned left-hand point break, boosting local tourism and showcasing New Zealand as a premier surf destination. Supported by the Government’s Events Attraction Package, the event aims to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s global reputation for major cultural and sporting events.
Tags: World Surf League WSL Raglan New Zealand Pro Louise Upston Waikato Championship Tour Tourism Surfing Events Attraction PackageDuane Kale Appointed Chair of Sport New Zealand to Lead High Performance Sport
6 months ago | 611 viewsDuane Kale ONZM has been appointed Chair of Sport and Recreation New Zealand, bringing extensive experience in sports administration and Paralympic leadership. He has served as Deputy Chair of Sport NZ and High Performance Sport New Zealand since 2023, and as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee since 2017. Kale is a decorated Paralympian and recognized leader, recently awarded the Paralympic Order, and will succeed Raewyn Lovett as Chair.
Tags: Duane Kale Mark Mitchell Raewyn Lovett Sport NZ Paralympics New Zealand International Paralympic Committee High Performance Sport New Zealand New Zealand Paralympian Paralympic Order Chef de MissionGovernment Allocates $3M to Extend Active Me - Kia Tū Fund for Youth
8 months ago | 805 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $3 million to extend the Active Me - Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another year, aiming to support young New Zealanders facing financial challenges in accessing sports and recreation opportunities. The program, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in partnership with Sport NZ, has already benefited over 10,000 children and their families by providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to enable participation in physical activities and remove financial barriers. Minister Mark Mitchell highlights the positive impact of the fund on children's well-being, social skills, and community safety, emphasizing the importance of exploring sustainable funding options and reducing costs for participants through ongoing research by Sport NZ.
Tags: Government Sport and Recreation Minister Hon Mark Mitchell Variety – The Children’s Charity Sport NZ New Zealanders financial hardship physical activity communities young peopleGovernment Invests $5 Million in Centre Court Roof at Manuka Doctor Arena to Enhance Sports and Tourism
8 months ago | 746 viewsThe Government has announced a $5 million investment in a new Centre Court roof for Auckland’s Manuka Doctor Arena, aiming to secure the future of the venue and attract more visitors. This investment is part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package to enhance facilities and drive economic activity across New Zealand. The Centre Court Roof project will expand event capabilities, increase seating capacity, and provide more opportunities for Kiwis to enjoy world-class sporting events, with completion planned for 2027.
Tags: Louise Upston Rafael Nadal Roger Federer Serena Williams Manuka Doctor Arena Auckland Centre Court Tennis Auckland ASB Classic Major Events and Tourism Package