Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has clinched an impressive number of finalists in this year’s NZEA New Zealand Events Awards. The annual awards celebrate excellence in the many different categories of events, along with the people, technology and innovation behind them.
“We are thrilled with such a large number of Auckland events making it to the finals,” says Michelle Hooper, Head of Major Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“It represents how much hard work and expertise goes into creating these unforgettable experiences across our region.”
Events that Auckland Council and its cultural agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited invested in, or delivered itself, accounted for 17 of the 23 nominations from Auckland
“Every cent we put in to these events is carefully considered. We have to be sure it’s going to lift the experience of those living in Auckland while driving visitors to come here, as well as supporting our valued businesses. It has to be a clear return on investment for ratepayers as well as an epic event to experience, which is what these award nominations recognise,” says Nick Hill, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive.
Events supported by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council, attracted three of the four nominations in the Major or Mega Event of the Year category. They were ITM Sail Grand Prix, the first-ever to be held in Auckland, along with Mānuka Phuel Synthony Festival, and World Choir Games 2024, where 11,000 international choir singers performed to an audience of 25,000 people over 11 days. That event contributed $20 million in tourism expenditure for Aotearoa.
The free BNZ Auckland Lantern and BNZ Auckland Diwali Festivals, run by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council and which were attended by over 250,000 visitors, are both up for awards.
Auckland also clinched two of the four nominations in the Sports Event of the Year category. The Masters Hockey World Cup delivered significant returns for Auckland with 2400 local and international players exhibiting impressive skills on the North Shore for 10 days. This international event resulted in a $9m GPD boost to the region, with many players and their families extending their stay to explore the region after the competition.
Also nominated is Auckland FC’s electrifying debut match against Brisbane Roar at Go Media Stadium, which marked a thrilling new chapter for football fans in the city.
Go Media Stadium itself, run by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is up for an award in the Sustainability Initiative of the Year category for its efforts to rapidly decarbonise, with 1700 solar panels set to save more than $100,000 each year in energy spending.
The Z Manu World Champs, within Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Moana Auckland ocean festival, is nominated for two awards in technology and marketing categories, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Jep Savali – Group Manager of Major Events and experienced festival director - is up for Established Industry Professional of the Year.
The winners of this year’s NZ Event Awards will be announced at a gala evening on 2 September in Hamilton.
A full list of NZ Event Awards nominations from Auckland is as follows below:
Arts, Cultural or Heritage Event of the Year 2025
BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited*
Business Event of the Year 2025
Auckland Design Week
Community or Not-for-profit Event of the Year 2025 (under 3000 participants)
2024 WMH Masters Hockey World Cup, Hockey New Zealand*
The Pacific Festival of Brass, Auckland Bands Association Inc*
Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year 2025 (over 3000 participants) - proudly sponsored by MRI
Big Gay Out 2025, Curious Nation
Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by Pernod Ricard
Auckland Marathon, IRONMAN New Zealand*
Local Government Event of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by HD Recruitment
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2025, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited*
Major or Mega Event of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by Bidfood
ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland 2025, F50 League NZ Ltd*
SYNTHONY Festival, Duco Touring*
World Choir Games 2024, New Zealand Choral Federation*
Music Event of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by APRA
SYNTHONY Festival, Duco Touring*
Sports Event of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by Ticketek
WMH 2024 Masters Hockey World Cup, Hockey New Zealand*
Auckland FC's debut match vs Brisbane Roar at Go Media Stadium, Auckland FC & Auckland Stadiums*
Supplier of the Year 2025
Medical Response Industries (MRI) for Manuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival*
NW Group for the 2024 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards
Marketing or Creative of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by Phantom Billstickers
Z Manu World Champs, Quantum Events – Auckland*
Spark Game Arena Live, Spur NZ
Technology Innovation of the Year 2025
Z Manu World Champs and ManuTech Judging Software, Quantum Events*
Spark Game Arena Live - Creating Live Event Technology for Immersive Game Play, Satellite
Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2025
Go Media Stadium's Decarbonisation Project, Auckland Stadiums*
Established Industry Professional of the Year 2025 - proudly sponsored by H3
Jep Savali, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited*
*Events Tātaki Auckland Unlimited invested in and/or delivered.
