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Air New Zealand is backing its own backyard, supporting 19 regional events across Aotearoa through its Regional Events Sponsorship Programme — a nationwide initiative celebrating the people, places, and passions that make New Zealand thrive.
By sponsoring these events, Air New Zealand is helping drive regional tourism and economic growth — bringing more visitors into smaller centres and strengthening local economies.
The initiative supports both regional and national development, ensuring communities right across the country benefit from the opportunities these events create.
From the wild coastlines of the West Coast to the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, and from Northland’s foodie havens to Matariki celebrations in Ōtepoti, the airline is helping showcase the best of Aotearoa’s creativity, community, and connection.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the airline is proud to support event organisers nationwide.
“These events showcase the very best of our regions. They bring people together, tell our stories, and celebrate the incredible talent and hospitality found across Aotearoa.
“Air New Zealand has always been about connection — not just getting people from A to B, but helping Kiwis discover the magic in their own backyard. These events attract visitors, boost local economies, and celebrate what makes each part of Aotearoa unique. We’re proud to play a role in supporting the communities that make New Zealand such a special place to call home.”
Each selected event receives tailored support from Air New Zealand — including flights, marketing, and promotional activity — under a three-year partnership offering certainty and room to grow.
Events were chosen to reflect a broad range of sectors — from food and wine to sport, fashion, and the arts — helping regions draw visitors, extend their reach, and amplify their impact.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomed the initiative.
“The Government has been laser-focused on growing tourism in New Zealand, and one of the best ways to do that is by inspiring people to travel beyond our main centres. When visitors spend time in our smaller towns and regions, they support local cafés, businesses, and accommodation providers, driving growth and creating jobs. It’s great to see Air New Zealand backing our regions and shining a light on the people and experiences that make them so special. I can’t wait to attend some of these events.”
The 19 events supported by the Air New Zealand Regional Events Sponsorship programme are:·
Timaru: SCOFF (5–21 September 2025 – completed)
Christchurch: On Show (1 September – 30 November 2025)
Kerikeri & Whangārei: Savour Northland (1–31 October 2025)
Palmerston North: Manawatū Garden Festival (12–16 November 2025)
New Plymouth: Coastal 5 Taranaki (15–16 November 2025)
Nelson: The Spectacle (5–6 December 2025)
Napier: Bridge Pa Wine Festival (17 January 2026)
Hamilton: Hamilton Arts Festival (20 February – 1 March 2026)
Auckland: Moana Auckland (28 February – 15 March 2026)
Hokitika: Wildfoods Festival (14 March 2026)
Tauranga: Flavours of Plenty Festival (16 April – 3 May 2026)
Wellington: Faultline Ultra (25–26 April 2026)
Queenstown: Electrify (19–21 May 2026
Gisborne: The Chardonnay Affair (22–24 May 2026)
Invercargill / Gore: Tussock Country Music Festival (22–31 May 2026
Rotorua: Aronui Drone Festival (9–11 July 2026)
Dunedin: Matariki mā Puaka Celebration (10 July 2026)
Blenheim: Marlborough Book Festival (24–26 July 2026)
Taupō: Treats of Taupō (28 September – 4 October 2026)
The airline’s Regional Events Fund reinforces Air New Zealand’s commitment to connecting New Zealanders with each other and with the places they call home.
