The NZ Events Association says that the Government’s new $70 million Events Package is already delivering results. They say that events like the WSL Championship Tour in Raglan are now getting the backing they need. And that this is exactly what this funding was designed for. supporting events that put New Zealand on the map and bring real economic benefit to our regions. $40 million has been reserved for attracting events in the Events Attraction Package.
MBIE says that the Events Attraction Package is aimed at showstopper events that attract large audiences and international visitors – such as major sports, music, and cultural events. The Events Attraction Package complements, rather than replaces, Major Events Fund investments. The final package of events will be curated to ensure a mix of different kinds of events, with regional and seasonal spread also a consideration. Applications are by invitation only.
- Events announced to date:
- Linkin Park – Auckland
- Ultra Music Festival – Wellington
- FIFA World Series – Auckland
- WSL Championship – Raglan
“Hosting a World Tour event at Raglan is a landmark moment for surfing in Aotearoa,” said Ben Kennings, Chief Executive, SNZ. “This will be the biggest surfing event ever staged in New Zealand, bringing the world’s best surfers to our most iconic break. The impact goes well beyond the event itself; it elevates the profile of surfing nationally. The opportunity for young New Zealand surfers to witness the world’s best up close is invaluable and will have a lasting impact on the future of our sport.”
Marking the 50th year of the World Tour, 2026 welcomes an increased women’s field as well as a combined men’s and women’s 12-stop CT schedule that will run from April to December, 2026. The tour starts in Australia and concludes in Hawai‘i, culminating in a revitalized Pipe Masters that will close the season with a high-stakes, all-inclusive finale.
New Zealand will be one of the nine “regular-season” events featuring 36 men and 24 women. Following Stop No. 9, the fields are narrowed to 24 men and 16 women for two events before the season concludes at the Pipe Masters. The final season rankings, and ultimately the World Titles, will be determined by a surfer’s best nine of 12 results.