This Content Is Only For Subscribers
The TSB Festival of Lights will continue under its long-standing naming rights partnership for at least another three summers, with TSB renewing its sponsorship through to the 2028-29 season.
The renewal comes as New Plymouth Airport joins the event as a strategic partner and the festival receives support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Events Boost Fund.
Long-term commitment
The summer event, held annually at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park, will return from December 19, 2026 to January 24, 2027.
New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough says the sponsorship renewal is a strong endorsement of the festival and its contribution to the region.
“The TSB Festival of Lights is a world-class event which is accessible to everyone.
“For those who grew up here, the magic of the lights, entertainment, and memories of Grimace the Gorilla swinging through the trees were all part of the summer tradition.”
Max says the event delivers significant benefits beyond the visitor experience.
“Alongside the great memories and excitement people get out of the festival, it also brings visitors into town who support our local businesses and economy.”
Tourism and economic impact
The 2025-26 festival attracted an estimated 162,500 visits to Pukekura Park during its five-week run.
More than 45,000 visitors travelled from outside the region, with many making the trip specifically to attend the event.
According to a BERL study, last summer’s festival generated an estimated $23.1 million in economic impact and contributed $11.8 million to regional GDP.
The report found every dollar spent by the festival generated $13.60 in expenditure across the economy.
Six per cent of visitors travelled from overseas.
Summers to come
TSB has been naming rights sponsor of the festival since 2004 and the new agreement will extend the partnership to 26 years.
TSB chief executive Kerry Boielle says the festival has become an important part of the region’s summer identity.
“TSB is incredibly proud to continue backing the TSB Festival of Lights, which has become such an iconic part of summer in Taranaki and a really special tradition for so many whānau across Aotearoa.
“We love that the event is accessible to everyone and creates moments of joy, connection and creativity for our community and visitors.”
Kerry says the event’s economic and tourism benefits are also important.
“To see Pukekura Park come alive each summer is simply magic, along with the positive impact the festival has right across our region – from the memories families make, through to the support it provides local businesses and tourism.”
Planning underway
NPDC event lead Lisa Ekdahl says planning for the 2026-27 festival is already well advanced.
“This will be NPDC’s 33rd festival.
“We’re exploring international-class lighting installations and seeing strong interest from musicians and entertainers. It’s all coming together for another ambitious festival.”
The full programme will be announced later this year.
The TSB Festival of Lights is one of New Zealand’s largest free summer events and has been a fixture on the Taranaki events calendar for more than three decades.
