The $70 million boost to bring big events like Coldplay, Pearl Jam to NZ

Sunday, 14 September 2025

A $70 million tourism package is set to supercharge events and tourism sectors, helping the country compete with Australia for big acts, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

The funding, which is a mix of new and existing money, will be rolled out over the next two years. It includes $40m to secure large-scale international events from 2026, and $10m each for an events boost fund, a regional tourism boost campaign, and tourism infrastructure upgrades.

“It’s about us having a really competitive pitch to the world … we want you here. We have infrastructure and facilities to support it,” he said. “Sporting events, competitive events, they are all on the table.”

Luxon, speaking at the NZ International Convention Centre in central Auckland which is still under construction, said New Zealand has “not been doing enough”.

He said the new funding means New Zealand can better compete for international acts, and that it would also give local councils more flexibility in how they pitch events and secure funding. It also means New Zealand can now compete with Queensland and Victoria, he said.

Nick Sautner, chief executive of Eden Park, agreed New Zealand has not been competitive on the world stage when it came to funding for major artists and events. He said big artists often came to Queensland, but not Auckland.

“This will be welcomed by all promoters,” he said. “We will be out in market as of this afternoon talking to promoters in both New Zealand and Australia.”

The announcement comes as part of the National-led coalition’s focus on attracting more international visitors, as a way to create economic growth.

Tourism Minister Louise Upston said cities and regions could benefit from an economic boost. “New Zealand’s economy is getting back on track but we know some of our cities and regions could benefit from an additional boost in the short-term.”

She said the funding package puts “New Zealand on a par with Queensland”.

She said 14 Auckland shows — including Coldplay and Pearl Jam — generated $33.7m for the local economy with 490,000 attendees.

“We want to see more action like that and we are stepping up with incentives to promoters to make it happen.”

Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, directly contributing $17 billion to GDP and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs, she added.