New Zealand Unveils National Events Strategy to Boost Economy

The New Zealand government has announced plans to develop a National Events Strategy to guide the country's events system and maximize its economic benefits. According to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, events play a crucial role in growing the economy, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and benefiting communities across New Zealand.

The announcement follows an independent review of New Zealand's approach to events, which found that while the country has a strong reputation for hosting events, its current system lacks a clear long-term direction and coordinated approach to funding and decision-making.

The review recommended a staged programme of reforms to build a more coordinated, strategic, and outcomes-focused events system over time. The government will start work on developing a national events strategy, establishing a framework for a national events calendar, providing regulatory guidance for local government, and setting up a national coordination group to share information.

The goal is to create a stronger national events pipeline that delivers greater benefits for New Zealanders. Minister Upston emphasized the importance of working together and putting the right settings in place to achieve this vision.