New Zealand’s business events industry is celebrating a significant win, with the government announcing an additional NZ$3 million (US$1.7 million) in funding to attract international conferences and incentive business.
Tourism and hospitality minister, Louise Upston, unveiled the funding at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, stating the investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy aims to “supercharge the Conference Assistance Programme work that is already happening in Tourism New Zealand”. The goal is to secure events that will generate over NZ$30 million in incremental spending for the New Zealand economy.
The funding is available to various organisations, including universities, to bid for hosting international conferences in New Zealand, and will also support efforts to attract high-value incentive business.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa hailed the move as a crucial step towards bolstering the sector and driving economic growth.
The association’s chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, described the announcement as an “exceptional day” for the sector, highlighting the government’s recognition of business events as a key driver of growth.
“It signals that New Zealand is actively recognising the importance of business events, and this new funding helps level the playing field with our main competitor, Australia,” she said.
Hopkins emphasised the high-value nature of the industry, noting its global worth of US$1.6 trillion. She also highlighted the significant investment in world-class infrastructure, with new convention centres like Te Pae Christchurch, Tākina in Wellington, and the upcoming New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.
These centres are projected to create 1,400 new jobs, generate over 300,000 room nights annually, and contribute over NZ$150 million in direct spending.
“Our industry association has been seeking support for the sector for two decades. We know that we have brilliant infrastructure and the downstream financial effects are proven,” Hopkins stated. She cited Infometrics analysis showing Te Pae Christchurch contributed NZ$77 million to New Zealand’s GDP and supported 693 full-time equivalent jobs in the year to November 2024.
Beyond economic benefits, Hopkins stressed the broader impact of business events, including positive societal outcomes, community engagement, and enhanced international recognition for New Zealand.
“Business events are much more than economic contributors, they also heavily influence positive outcomes for society, communities, and create long-term legacies, and they lift New Zealand on the world stage,” she said.
The initiative is part of the government’s Tourism Boost package, designed to foster immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity, and stimulate economic growth. The funding is a collaborative effort between Tourism New Zealand, regional convention bureaux, professional conference organisers, venues, hotels, and a wide range of businesses across sectors such as hospitality, technology, and creative services.
