On the back of the initial $3 million funding announced in March 2025, this second wave of government investment in New Zealand has been welcomed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as a long-term commitment to the sector and its role in driving tourism and export growth.
New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston (pictured, above right) announced the new investment while officially opening MEETINGS 2025 – New Zealand’s largest business events showcase – on 10 June at Eden Park in Auckland.
The investment will support additional international business event bids through the Conference Assistance Programme, managed by Tourism New Zealand, during the next 12 months.
“The initial $3 million investment announced in March was a powerful starting point,” says BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins (pictured, above left).
“This second wave of funding sends a clear and deliberate message to the global market that New Zealand is here to compete for international business events and we’re in it for the long haul.
“This is an exciting development for our sector and for the many international buyers attending MEETINGS 2025.
“It provides renewed confidence and momentum for the next 12 months of bidding and business development.”
Hopkins says the value of business events to New Zealand extends beyond visitor numbers.
“Conference and incentive delegates spend on average $175 more per day than other international visitors,” she says.
“Critically, many events are held in the shoulder and off-peak seasons between March and November, which supports regional economies and drives year-round demand.”
Hopkins says business events are increasingly recognised as strategic enablers of growth in New Zealand.
“This isn’t just about tourism – it’s about opening doors to global knowledge, trade and investment,” she says.
“Business events bring together the very people who drive progress: scientists, innovators, policymakers and entrepreneurs.
“They create meaningful legacies for New Zealand.”
The latest $3 million business events investment announcement forms part of the first phase of the New Zealand Government’s $35 million Tourism Growth Roadmap – a shared ambition between government and industry to double tourism export earnings by 2034 through targeted initiatives, including business events.
“This partnership approach between government and industry is exactly what we need to stay competitive internationally, and I know the tourism, hospitality and event industries are eager to get started on this collaboration,” says Hopkins.
MEETINGS 2025 was held on 11-12 June at Auckland Showgrounds and featured 250 stands representing 18 regions who met more than 550 domestic and international buyers.
