A diverse range of cultural, lifestyle and sporting events will receive public investment as part of Auckland’s Major Events Portfolio.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) invests in major events on behalf of Auckland Council to generate economic and social benefits for the region and its people.
In the latest funding round, ATEED received 49 applications requesting a total of $8.9 million in sponsorship funding, with approximately $1.35 million available to allocate for contestable major events sponsorship.
Economic and social benefits
Since Auckland’s Major Events Strategy was approved by Auckland Council in 2011, ATEED-sponsored major events have contributed $360 million to the regional economy and 2.2 million visitor nights (from 2011/12 FY – 2016/17 FY).
ATEED Head of Major Events Stuart Turner says major events – defined by their scale and projected benefits – are recognised internationally as a means to deliver significant social and economic outcomes for cities and their populations.
“Festivals like Tāmaki Herenga Waka and Pasifika help celebrate and demonstrate to Aucklanders and visitors what is unique about this place and its people."
“Events like the ITM Auckland SuperSprint and ASB Classic draw visitors from outside Auckland to come and enjoy what’s on offer here, and international broadcast coverage of them highlights Auckland as a host city and destination. And all these events provide work for local event operators, suppliers, services and workers.”
How events are selected
All sponsored events in Auckland’s Major Events Portfolio are assessed for their ability to generate new money (GDP) for Auckland, grow domestic and international visitor nights, build awareness of Auckland internationally, and provide Aucklanders with the chance to enjoy world-class events.
Auckland’s Major Events Portfolio complements regional and community events, supported by other parts of the Auckland Council family, as well as the region’s arts, sporting and cultural organisations, and private-sector funded events.
Major events supported by ATEED in the 18/19 financial year
- FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers: Tall Blacks v China
- 2018 Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival
- New Zealand International Film Festival
- All Blacks vs Australia
- New Zealand Fashion Week
- Auckland On Water Boat Show
- Auckland Diwali Festival
- ASB Auckland Marathon
- ITM Auckland SuperSprint
- Farmers Santa Parade
- ASB Classic
- Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival
- Auckland Lantern Festival
- Auckland Pride Parade
- Splore Music and Arts Festival
- Sculpture on the Gulf
- Pasifika Festival
- NZ International Comedy Festival
- Auckland Writers Festival
- Auckland Art Fair
