New Zealand funding scheme plans to attract major cultural acts

Article posted by Coliseum, September 23^rd, 2026

Image: Eden Park on Facebook

New Zealand has announced plans to establish a major events funding scheme to attract the international cultural events, the latest in a series of efforts to enhance the country’s concert-hosting capabilities.

The new fund is expected to roll out from July 1^st, 2027.

Expanded Initiative

‘iqmagazine.com’ stated that funded through New Zealand’s International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) which can cost the travelers NZD$100 (€50) the expanded initiative is designed to give the regional authorities greater long-term security when vying for the major events.

New Zealand’s International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a NZD $100 fee charged to most international visitors to help fund tourism infrastructure and conservation projects.

Stadium Concerts

‘iqmagazine.com’ further stated that it is an extension of the Government’s $40 million (€20.1m) Events Attraction Package which helped secure stadium concerts from Robbie Williams (English singer-songwriter), System of a Down (Armenian-American heavy metal band), Bruno Mars (American singer-songwriter and record producer), along with the ULTRA Music Festival.

‘Unlock Full Potential’

The program has been welcomed by leaders at Auckland’s Eden Park whose Chief Executive Nick Saunter said that “the combination of regulatory reform and investment in the major events will help unlock Eden Park’s full potential”.

The Eden Park is a sports venue in Auckland, New Zealand. It is located three kilometers Southwest of the Auckland Central Business District (CBD), on the boundary between the suburbs of Mount Eden and Kingsland. The main stadium has a nominal capacity of 50,000 and is New Zealand’s national stadium.

Concert Allowance

Earlier this year, the authorities nearly tripled the 60,000-capacity Eden Park’s concert allowance thus boosting the leading venue’s ability to host major tours in the market.

‘Medium-sized Concerts’

Historically, the Eden Park was permitted to host 12 concerts per year by no more than six different artistes. Now, the venue can host 12 major shows plus 20 “medium-sized concerts” annually with no limitation on the number of artistes. The Eden Park also stands out in the market as New Zealand’s only stadium with a capacity over 50,000.

‘Targeted Investment’

“We have seen the success of the Government’s events attraction package and the difference targeted investment can make in securing major event content and keeping New Zealand globally competitive,” Saunter stated pointing to a trio of shows from Bruno Mars as part of this year’s draw.

‘Diverse Calendar of Event’

Added Saunter, “However, Auckland’s major events strategy cannot be built around a single blockbuster moment. Its strength lies in a year-round calendar that continually attracts the visitors, investment and global attention which is why our focus has been on building a diverse calendar of content.”

‘Blockbuster’ Event Days

Saunter also revealed plans for the venue to host up to 24 “blockbuster” event days annually in addition to the “20 smaller events” thus underscoring how the new fund could advance New Zealand’s position on the global touring circuit.

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