Whangārei benefits from major events
Published on 06 June 2025
Major events are bringing millions of dollars into Whangārei’s economy, boosting community pride and increasing international visibility.
Recent reports to the Council highlight the impact of the Hockey Masters Tournament, Endless Summer Festival and International Rally of Whangarei.
Hockey Masters 2025 Tournament
Earlier this year, the Whangārei ITM Hockey Centre hosted the Hockey Masters 2025 Tournament. Council Venues and Events Manager Bea Mossop said the tournament confirmed Whangārei’s status as a top sporting destination and helped the community and local economy.
“Over seven days, 91 teams competed in 251 games, involving 1,472 players, 75 officials and more than 80 volunteers. Council's $20,000 contribution helped make the event possible, generating an estimated economic and social impact of $9.57 million.”
The event also gained positive media attention, with 2.3 million Facebook views and 4.5 million Instagram views.
Endless Summer Festival 2025
From January to March 2025, our Endless Summer Festival featured over 70 events. We hosted three popular events: Hot Grill Summer, Love it Here Festival and Taste Whangārei, attracting thousands to central Whangārei. Major venues, like Northland Events Centre and Forum North, also held large concerts and performances.
“These events brought people together, boosted community pride and generated economic benefits for local businesses,” says Ms Mossop.
The combined impact of the Love it Here Festival and Taste Whangārei was estimated at $5.73 million.
International Rally 2024
The International Rally 2024, held from 8 to 10 November, marked its 17th year in Whangārei.
“Organised by Rally New Zealand and part of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, the event increased our international visibility through TV, social media and print coverage,” says Ms Mossop.
The rally generated an estimated economic benefit of $2.23 million for the region, with an added $289,880 from global TV and livestream exposure.
About 4,500 spectators attended over two days, spending an average of $120 per person per day, contributing $540,000 to the economic benefit. Spending by international competitors, crew and media also added to the overall impact.
“Council has committed $63,000 of funding to this year’s rally to ensure it remains a highlight on the Whangārei event calendar.”
Measuring the benefits of major events
Ms Mossop says the estimated benefits are based on Massey University research, which valued live performance in Aotearoa at $17.3 billion in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.
“Using this research, we can assess the impact of major events on Whangārei’s economy, recognising their potential to drive local investment, tourism, and community wellbeing. Measuring these benefits helps us maximise the returns of investing in local events.”
Major events for 2025 include the Puanga Matariki Festival (27 May to 24 June), Māori All Blacks v Scotland (5 July), Silver Festival (1 to 14 October) and the International Rally of Whangarei (7 to 9 November).
Puanga Matariki Festival
Māori All Blacks v Scotland
Silver Festival
International Rally of Whangarei (rallywhangarei.co.nz)
Correction note
An earlier version of this story wrongly attributed the economic study to Auckland University, rather than it being led by Massey University. The study was funded by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (central Government).
The study reference is Carter, D., Hoad, C., Muller, P., Tappenden, A., Wilson, J., & Wilson, O. (2024). Measuring and Articulating the Value of Live Performance in Aotearoa. Massey University.
The study included data from Whangārei.
The full report is available here:
Measuring and Articulating the Value of Live Performance in Aotearoa (Massey University)