New Zealand Major Events

New Zealand Major Events (NZME) is a strategy group within the Tourism, Events and Consumer Affairs Branch of the Ministry of Economic Development.  It works in partnership with the event sector to support New Zealand's growing reputation as an attractive destination for major events of global significance. 

NZME implements the Major Events Strategy, which aims to attract, retain, grow and deliver major events and achieve a greater contribution to economic, social and cultural growth. 

Why Government is Involved in Major Events

Major events generate a wide range of direct and indirect benefits for New Zealand, including generating tourism revenue, creating new business opportunities, reinforcing high achievement in sports and arts, strengthening local and national pride and enhancing the development of local infrastructure and amenities.

Most events (including some major events) are organised and delivered by the private sector without the need for government involvement. However, in some instances government involvement is required to secure an event through a bidding process. In others it is needed to get more out of the event for the benefit of the country.

The actions required to gain broader or more enduring benefits often fall outside an event organiser’s focus and role in delivering the event itself.  Without deliberate government intervention, the full potential for these benefits may go unrealised. Accelerating and extending these benefits is the main reason government supports major events.

What is a Major Event?

From government's perspective, a major event is something that:

• Generates significant direct economic, social and cultural benefits to New Zealand
• Attracts international participants and spectators
• Has national significance outside of the region in which it is being run
• Generates significant international media coverage in markets of interest including 
          - Australia
          - Asia (with specific interest in China)
          - United States
          - Europe and the United Kingdom.

Examples of major events include - The Volvo Ocean Race Stopover and the FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup.