{"id":1195,"date":"2025-09-15T06:00:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T18:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daveforcouncil.nz\/?p=1166"},"modified":"2026-04-29T22:35:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T10:35:35","slug":"article-govt-unveils-70m-fund-to-lure-global-acts-support-major-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exposures.co.nz\/?p=1195","title":{"rendered":"Article: Govt unveils $70m fund to lure global acts, support major events"},"content":{"rendered":"

Source<\/a> 1News PDF<\/a><\/p>\n

While the National led coalition government is busy telling local councils how to spend money, they’re spending $70 million doing exactly what they’re telling councils not to.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Government has announced a $70 million investment package aimed at supercharging New Zealand\u2019s events and tourism sectors, introducing new money to attract global acts, support existing events, and drive regional visitor growth.<\/p>\n

The package \u2013 a combination of new money and widened criteria for existing funding \u2013 included a $40 million Events Attraction Fund to secure large-scale international events from 2026; a $10 million Events Boost Fund to support existing events and attract global opportunities; a $10 million Regional Tourism Boost Campaign to draw international visitors; and up to $10 million for tourism infrastructure upgrades.<\/p>\n

Major artists including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish have all skipped New Zealand on recent tours, opting instead for multi-city stadium runs across Australia.<\/p>\n

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the package would drive economic activity and confidence across New Zealand.<\/p>\n

“Major events, whether they are sports showdowns, the world\u2019s most popular artists or well-loved favourites, can be a bonanza for the cities and regions which host them, supporting local jobs and incomes in the hospitality and retail sectors and beyond.”<\/p>\n