Air New Zealand has introduced its Regional Event Sponsorship programme in collaboration with regional tourism organisations nationwide to highlight 20 emerging events in destinations served by the airline.
The programme seeks to encourage domestic travel while contributing to the collaborative development of New Zealand’s event calendar, with a particular focus on shoulder and off-peak seasons.
“These events not only celebrate the spirit of their regions, but they also give people another reason to visit, explore, and stay a little longer. Events like the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival are a perfect example—authentically local, proudly unique, and unforgettable,” Air New Zealand chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer Kiri Hannifin said.
“We want to help create more of these all over the country. The kind of events that bring communities together and showcase the best of Aotearoa.”
Air New Zealand’s programme will back events across various categories such as sport, arts and culture, food and wine, music, heritage, and nature. Each event will benefit from a three-year commitment to support its region through flights, marketing and promotional efforts, or investment.
Air NZ said there is no fixed amount allocated to the programme, as funding will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
“This is just the beginning. Air New Zealand will continue to roll out support across Aotearoa, with more regions set to benefit from the programme in the coming months,” Hannifin stated.