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Visa Wellington On a Plate and Beervana are set to expand their international reach following support from the Government’s Events Boost Fund.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the funding, which will support international chef collaborations and marketing activity aimed at attracting offshore visitors.
The Wellington Culinary Events Trust, which delivers both festivals, says the investment will allow it to promote Beervana in Australia and enhance programming for Visa Wellington On a Plate through global chef partnerships.
WCET general manager Penny de Borst says the funding presents an opportunity to strengthen the festivals’ international profile while showcasing New Zealand produce and hospitality talent.
In 2025, the two festivals generated a combined estimated $10 million for the Wellington economy, attracting more than 4,500 visitors from outside the region. Organisers say spending was driven by ticket sales, accommodation, hospitality activity and related visitor expenditure.
WellingtonNZ says the funding will help reinforce the capital’s culinary positioning while supporting the wider hospitality sector.
Visa Wellington On a Plate launched in 2009 to encourage visitation during the city’s quieter winter period. Beervana will return to Wellington on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026, marking 26 years of promoting New Zealand’s brewing industry.
