08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
473 views
The 2028 PSA Squash World Championships will be held in Auckland, supported by a $1 million investment from New Zealand's Major Events Fund, showcasing top international players at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. This prestigious event, occurring just before squash's Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, aims to boost the sport's profile, inspire local athletes, and enhance New Zealand's reputation as a host for major international sporting events. The championships are expected to attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and create a lasting legacy for squash in New Zealand.
24 Jul 2026
3 months ago
670 views
The Government is contributing $50,000 to the Kaikōura Mayoral Relief Fund to assist with recovery from severe flooding and landslides that caused widespread damage in July. This funding, requested by the Kaikōura District Council, will support community needs like residential waste disposal and replacing uninsurable items, supplementing an earlier $50,000 grant to local farmers. Mayoral Relief Funds provide rapid, targeted aid to fill immediate gaps after emergencies, complementing other support from agencies without replacing insurance or other funding sources.
11 Jul 2026
3 months ago
698 views
The New Zealand Government will invest from the Events Boost Fund to support the India-New Zealand 100 Years of Unity through Sport programme, celebrating a century of sporting ties between the two countries. The 2026 programme will feature major sporting events across New Zealand, including participation from the Indian Men’s Football team and Bowls teams, culminating in a month-long series of events in November. This initiative aims to strengthen cultural connections, boost tourism, and stimulate New Zealand’s economy through international sports and cultural celebrations.
09 Jul 2026
3 months ago
644 views
The Government is providing $50,000 to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to aid flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with Federated Farmers matching the amount through fundraising. The immediate focus is on animal welfare, with efforts underway to relocate around 4,000 animals from flood-damaged areas to safe grazing, while ongoing assessments continue for other regions impacted by severe weather. Farmers are advised to monitor weather forecasts, take precautions, and contact support services like the Rural Support Trust and MPI for assistance.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
861 views
The New Zealand Government, led by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, has released a Tourism Policy Statement to guide collaboration between central and local governments and industry in growing tourism and boosting regional economies. The policy aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034 through strategic investments, infrastructure, marketing, and initiatives like the Regional Tourism Boost, which supports campaigns to attract international visitors beyond main centers and peak seasons. With $5 million allocated for round three of the Regional Tourism Boost, targeting key markets such as Australia, China, and North America, recent data shows tourism is recovering strongly, with international visitor numbers reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels.
18 Jun 2026
4 months ago
972 views
The New Zealand Government plans to boost tourism growth by investing $4 million in targeted marketing in Australia, the United States, and China, alongside a $1 million boost to attract more business events. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized that tourism, as the country's second-largest export, is vital for economic growth, with goals to restore visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels by 2026 and double tourism export value in ten years. These investments, funded by the International Visitor Levy, aim to accelerate visitor numbers, support high-value business events, and deliver economic benefits across New Zealand.
30 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1386 views
New 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.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1287 views
The speech highlights New Zealand's efforts to sustainably grow its tourism sector through initiatives like the Regional Events Promotion Fund, Major Events and Tourism Package, and investments in infrastructure such as cycle trails and the New Zealand International Convention Centre. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated national leadership, streamlined regional collaboration, and long-term investment to support tourism as a strategic national asset, culminating in the upcoming Tourism Policy Statement to provide clear direction and governance. The government aims to balance boosting visitor demand with enhancing supply capacity, ensuring growth benefits both visitors and New Zealand communities while protecting unique local experiences.
17 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1320 views
Robbie Williams will perform two New Zealand shows in November as part of his BRITPOP world tour, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the significant economic benefits concerts bring, including increased tourism and local business revenue, and emphasizes the importance of government investment to attract major international acts. This initiative aims to boost New Zealand’s global competitiveness in hosting large-scale cultural and sporting events, contributing to a strong tourism and hospitality sector in 2026.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1251 views
New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1327 views
The Government is investing $200,000 to complete stage one of the 67km Waimate Trail, a project that highlights South Canterbury's unique landscapes and supports local tourism. This funding, part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, will finish the 13km stretch from Waimate to Waihao Forks, with the local community having already raised 80% of the needed funds. The trail aims to boost regional economic growth by attracting visitors and connecting with existing track networks, with completion expected by late April or May.
16 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1384 views
The New Zealand Government is reforming outdated planning rules to enable Eden Park, Auckland’s largest stadium, to host more and diverse major events, boosting local and national economic growth. Changes include increasing permitted concerts from 12 to 32 annually, allowing longer event durations, removing restrictions on night sports games, and enabling various community and cultural events without resource consent. These reforms, expected by April 2026, leverage new powers under the Resource Management Act to modernize Eden Park’s operations, supporting job creation, tourism, and Auckland’s status as a world-class destination.
26 Jan 2026
9 months ago
3861 views
The 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.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1397 views
The Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride in Rotorua, enhancing safety by rerouting the trail away from a busy highway and extending it by six kilometres. This upgrade aims to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and improve the overall tourism experience in the region. The investment is part of a broader $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package focused on boosting regional tourism infrastructure.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1043 views
The New Zealand Government is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata,” an industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for the business events sector. This practical, online training program aims to address workforce shortages, support career pathways, and enhance the global competitiveness of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Launching in early 2026, Te Haeata will also be introduced in high schools to attract and retain talent, promoting sustainable growth in the sector.