New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism sectors are set for a welcome boost with the Government’s latest investment of $2.6 million in 152 regional events, as part of the second round of the Regional Events Promotion Fund.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the funding, highlighting the critical role events play in stimulating local economies, especially in areas that don’t typically attract high levels of domestic tourism.
Wide-ranging Events
“Events are excellent drawcards to get more visitors into our regions, particularly in quieter parts of the year for the tourism and hospitality sector,” said Minister Upston.
“By growing regional tourism, our remote and rural communities can benefit from the economic opportunities it brings.”
The wide-ranging list of supported events includes crowd-pullers like the National Waka Ama Sprint Championships in Waikato, the National Jazz Festival in the Bay of Plenty, and the 2026 Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, alongside new additions such as the Whakapapa Festival, a non-skiing winter event, and Summernats NZ, a new car festival for the Waikato.
This latest round of funding follows an earlier allocation, bringing the total investment to 284 events nationally, drawn from the $5 million Regional Events Promotion Fund.
A Big Win for Food & Beverage Tourism
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand has welcomed the news, particularly applauding the emphasis on food and beverage-themed events, which it says are critical to New Zealand’s growing reputation as a global culinary destination.
From Northland’s recognition in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 to Hastings’ nomination as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it’s clear that regional New Zealand is punching above its weight when it comes to global food appeal.
Strengthening Regional Identity & Resilience
The Restaurant Association also noted that this strategic focus on regional events comes at a crucial time, helping to tell local stories, boost tourism, and support the broader hospitality ecosystem.
“We look forward to supporting our industry to make the most of these events and to put our regional food and beverage stories front and centre of our tourism offering as a country,” added Bidois.
Minister Upston echoed this sentiment, saying, “New Zealand is open for business, and we encourage both Kiwis and international visitors alike to explore and enjoy what New Zealand has to offer.”
Next Steps
With a year-long outlook, the Regional Events Promotion Fund is expected to drive domestic travel, stimulate local economies, and revive town centres across the motu. For hospitality operators, the flow-on effects are clear: more visitors, more spending, and more opportunities to showcase the best of New Zealand food, drink, and manaakitanga.
For the full list of funding recipients, visit the MBIE website.