Auckland's packed summer calendar of major events isn't just about entertainment – it's a powerful economic and cultural catalyst that transforms New Zealand's largest city into a vibrant global destination. From world-class sporting competitions to cultural festivals, these events create a multiplier effect that benefits the entire region - and often the whole country.
The economic impact of major events extends far beyond ticket sales. When Auckland hosts international events like the ASB Classic tennis tournament or the inaugural SailGP, visitors fill our hotels, dine at local restaurants, and shop in our retail centres. This tourism surge provides a vital boost to local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth during the peak summer season.
International visitors, lured by these incredible events and activities, travel on to other parts of New Zealand, which also benefit. Last November’s three Coldplay concerts at Eden Park saw a 10 per cent uplift in Trans-Tasman tourism from Australia travelling to the concert and returned a $20 million boost to the economy.
Major events also drive infrastructure improvements and development. To host international-standard events, Auckland must maintain and upgrade its venues and facilities, leading to lasting benefits for residents long after the events conclude. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 left a legacy of more than $18 million invested in upgraded pitches, lighting and amenities.
Cultural events like Laneway Festival and the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival do more than just generate economic activity – they strengthen Auckland's multicultural base and create spaces for community connection. Laneway Festival's 20th edition at Western Springs Stadium represents two decades of bringing international and local music talent together, while the Lantern Festival continues to celebrate our strong Asian communities and cultural ties.
The diversity of events this summer is particularly noteworthy. From the innovative "Into Ocean & Ice" exhibition at the Maritime Museum to Olafur Eliasson's thought-provoking works at the Auckland Art Gallery, the city is offering experiences that appeal to different interests and age groups. Family-friendly attractions like the Megaland inflatable obstacle course at Lilyworld appeal to our younger Aucklanders, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Sports events also play a crucial role in building civic pride and international recognition. Auckland FC's debut A-League campaign and the city's first SailGP event position Auckland as a serious sporting destination. These events not only attract visitors but also showcase our world-class facilities and organisational capabilities to a global audience.
Perhaps most importantly, these events create memories and experiences that become part of Auckland's story. The impressive lineup for early 2025 demonstrates Auckland's return to confidence and capability as an events destination. By continuing to invest in and support major events, Auckland is building a stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous future for all its residents.
The timing of these events, spread across January and February, helps maintain a steady flow of visitors and activity throughout the summer period. This scheduling strategy, planned and pitched for years in advance, prevents overwhelming the city's infrastructure while ensuring consistent economic benefits.
The issue we face as a city though is that attracting events doesn’t come cheap. They often take years of funding before they are finally secured. At present, there is no sustainable long-term funding model other than the ratepayer. We can’t keep tweaking an annual budget – it needs to be a systematic change to keep it going.
This is why Auckland Council’s Annual Budget will be asking Aucklanders their view on us asking government for a visitor bed night levy. A bed tax set at a small amount between 2.5% and 3% of each night’s room price has long been seen as an option by the last mayor and the current mayor.
Times are tough for many, and those around the Town Hall table recognise that. It might be that Aucklanders prefer us to focus on other issues like infrastructure and the basics. On the other hand, others believe major events are a mark of an international city, and something that makes Auckland a great place to live.
However, a bed tax requires central government legislation to implement. So far, no government has given us this ability. We need to know if Aucklanders support us advocating strongly for this to government.
In my opinion even if Aucklanders support a bed tax, there is always a risk we can’t convince government of our case or get a bed tax done in time. If that risk becomes a reality, we will have tough choices to make about whether we fund events at all. We can do nothing – and lose our major events such as ASB classic, Auckland Marathon, SailGP and Auckland Writers Festival. We could go back to the targeted rate system on hotels and other accommodation providers, however this has been the subject of controversy in the past, doesn’t have industry support and couldn’t be implemented in time for next year. Or we could re prioritise other projects.
That will be the subject of debate at the Council table over the next few months. I urge you to have your say on this and other annual budget decisions
Desley Simpson – Deputy Mayor