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An additional NZ$3 million investment by New Zealand’s Government to attract international business events to New Zealand has been welcomed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as a strong signal of long-term commitment to the sector and the contribution it makes in driving tourism and export growth.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hon Louise Upston yesterday announced the new investment, which will support additional international business event bids through the Conference Assistance Program, managed by Tourism New Zealand, over the next year.

Minister Upston was in Auckland to officially open MEETINGS 2025, New Zealand’s largest business events showcase. The two-day trade exhibition begins today (11 June) at Auckland Showgrounds, with exhibitors across 250 stands representing 18 regions, meeting with over 550 domestic and international buyers.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says the announcement couldn’t have come at a better time for the industry.

“The initial NZ$3 million investment announced in March was a powerful starting point. This second wave of funding sends a clear and deliberate message to the global market, New Zealand is here to compete for international business events, and we’re in it for the long haul,” she says.

Tourism Minister Louise Upston with Lisa Hopkins, BEIA CEO and Martin Snedden, BEIA Chair

“This is an exciting development for our sector and for the many international buyers attending MEETINGS. 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 well beyond visitor numbers.

Conference and incentive delegates spend on average $175 more per day than other international visitors. “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.”

She adds that business events are increasingly being recognised as strategic enablers of growth.

“This isn’t just about tourism. It’s about opening doors to global knowledge, trade, and investment. Business events bring together the very people who drive progress, scientists, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs. They create meaningful legacies for New Zealand.”

Today’s NZ$3 million business events investment is part of the first phase of the Government’s $35 million Tourism Growth Roadmap. The roadmap outlines a shared ambition between Government and industry to double tourism export earnings by 2034 through targeted initiatives, with business events playing a central role.

“This partnership approach between Government and industry is exactly what we need to stay competitive internationally, and I know that the tourism, hospitality and event industries are eager to get started on this collaboration,” Hopkins said.