Business events deliver $925m boost to New Zealand economy in 2025

The newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre is expected to attract an additional 33,000 visitors in 2026. Photo / Anna Heath

Business events delivered a $925 million boost to New Zealand’s economy last year, according to new research.

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) report showed multi-day conferences generated approximately 1.50 million visitor nights nationwide.

The spending was made up of $412m in delegate expenditure (excluding registration fees); $433m in event expenditure (including registration fees, sponsorship and exhibitor income); and $80m in companion expenditure.

Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of BEIA, said the research strengthens the case for continued support and increased investment to secure a sustainable events pipeline.

“Business events, including conferences, incentives and B2B [business-to-business] trade shows, are a highly investable contributor to New Zealand’s economic aspirations, delivering strong returns and reinforcing the case for continued or even greater investment by central and local government.”

The spend per delegate was $999 for host region delegates, $2118 for domestic delegates and $3726 for international delegates, the report said.

Hopkins said the figures showed how important domestic and local delegates are to the resilience of our national business events sector.

“When the number of international visitors softens, it’s New Zealanders travelling to other regions who keep the activity going and help economic benefits continue to flow across the country,” she said.

The report also found international conference and business event delegates visiting New Zealand spent more on average per day ($645) than overseas tourists ($416.98).

Hopkins said business events weren’t just a tourism activity.

“They deliver long-term value through knowledge exchange, innovation, trade connections and international connectivity.

“These are benefits that support productivity, investment and economic growth in New Zealand well beyond the end of the event itself.”

Hopkins said the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) increased the country’s capacity to host more events, in more places, and at a greater scale.

The $1 billion NZICC officially opened last week after 11-years following setbacks from a devasting fire in 2019, Covid lockdowns and construction delays.

SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said last week the new convention centre would attract an additional 33,000 visitors in 2026.

“It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Auckland and Aotearoa.

“It’s more than a world-class venue. It’s a canvas for change.”