Latest news with #TheSpectacle
Scoop
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
The Spectacle Selected For Air New Zealand's New Regional Event Sponsorship Programme
The Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) is thrilled by this week's announcement that The Spectacle running festival is one of the first two major events that will be supported by a new Air New Zealand Regional Event Sponsorship programme. NRDA Chief Executive Fiona Wilson says the announcement is wonderful news for the region. 'The Spectacle made a bold debut in December 2024, proving itself to be a game-changing, iconic event with real legacy potential. It has the power to put Nelson on the map as a destination for quality, diverse and accessible running, walking, jogging routes – welcoming everyone from world-class athletes to first-time participants. The event attracted over 1,500 participants and with supporters and spectators included, brought around 10,000 people into Nelson City over two days. That resulted in an estimated $2 million boost to the region. With no cap on participant numbers and strong annual growth projected, this is a perfect partnership with Air New Zealand to help deliver even more people to enjoy The Spectacle in 2025 and beyond.' Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says this three-year Air New Zealand sponsorship deal is huge for The Spectacle and for Nelson. 'The inaugural Spectacle in 2024 brought road, trail, ultra and elite races to Nelson, with several events finishing in front of the Church Steps. I participated in the 5km, and my ambition is to do the 10km this year. I was in awe of the running talent from Nelson, New Zealand and around the world who came to compete. I love what The Spectacle brings to Nelson, reinforcing our brand as the most active city in New Zealand and I cannot wait to see it grow.' The Spectacle has been created by elite Nelson-based athletes who understand what motivates people to take part in an event like this – and how to make it truly inclusive. This is not your average running event. With broad appeal across ages, abilities, and backgrounds, it has genuine international appeal. From world record-holding elite athletes to pre-schoolers, and from relays and 1 mile to 100-mile distances, there is something for everyone. The celebration continues after the finish line, with an evening concert for participants and supporters. The event is also delivered in partnership with Athletics New Zealand. This marks the first time Athletics New Zealand has partnered with an independent event, reflecting a fresh and innovative approach to revitalising athletics in New Zealand. Air New Zealand's three-year Regional Event Sponsorship commitment to The Spectacle will play a key role in supporting local tourism and driving long-term, sustainable economic activity. The event has also received funding for both 2024 and 2025 through the NCC Economic Events Fund and MBIE Regional Events Promotion Fund, facilitated by the NRDA. Beyond funding, the NRDA supports regional events through marketing, promotion, and by building connections both within and beyond Nelson Tasman to maximise the benefits of events for the wider community. Fiona Wilson added 'While the exact level and type of marketing support from Air New Zealand is still being confirmed, this announcement couldn't come at a better time for our visitor, retail, and hospitality sectors. After the recent heavy rain events in Nelson Tasman, it is wonderful to have and share good news! A big thank you to Air New Zealand for their support and congratulations to Julian, Anni, Kurt and the rest of the Spectacle team for their hard work to create this world-class event for New Zealand. About Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) NRDA's purpose is to accelerate economic growth, improving wealth and wellbeing for the people of Nelson Tasman. With a focus on increasing regional productivity, we deliver on our purpose by supporting collaboration, building capability, and attracting resources. NRDA is a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), 100% owned by Nelson City Council. NRDA was established on 1 July 2016 following merger of the former Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency and Nelson Tasman Tourism. Partnership funding contribution from Tasman District Council enables NRDA services to be delivered with a combined Nelson Tasman regional focus. NRDA's activity spans strategic economic development, business and key sector support, investment attraction and, as Regional Tourism Organisation, fostering and promoting regional visitation.
Scoop
29-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Backing Our Backyard: Air New Zealand Launches Regional Event Sponsorship Programme
Air New Zealand is backing the bold, the brave and the brilliantly local, with a new programme set to showcase our nation's regions one event at a time. The airline has today launched the Air New Zealand Regional Event Sponsorship programme, designed to support and scale up new and emerging events in each of the 20 regions it flies to. The new initiative aims to support and promote domestic travel right across the motu, as well as support the collective effort to keep building New Zealand's event calendar, particularly during shoulder and off-peak seasons. Air New Zealand's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline is proud to play a part in backing regional creativity and ambition. 'Our goal is simple. We want to back brilliant local events that deserve the spotlight. 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. 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.' Working in partnership with regional tourism organisations (RTOs), the sponsorship programme will support events in regions across the country. These events may be focussed on sport, arts and culture, food and wine, music, heritage or nature. The airline is backing events that regions across Aotearoa are proud to showcase – helping them draw more visitors, extend their reach, and grow their impact. Support will be tailored to each region. From flights, to marketing and promotional activity, or investment, the selected events will receive a three-year commitment, offering certainty and room to grow. To kick things off, Air New Zealand is launching the programme with support for two standout events: The Spectacle (Nelson) – An unforgettable running festival in Whakatū Nelson, uniquely uniting the high-octane energy of inner-city road running with the adventure of trail running, showcasing events from the mile to the 100 mile. Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) – A stunning programme of performing arts, showcasing local talent and creating unforgettable moments in the award-winning Hamilton Gardens and across the city's venues and open spaces. A collaborative and community-first approach By working with RTOs, who know their regions best, and complementing investment made by Government in regional events, Air New Zealand is ensuring this initiative boosts existing efforts to develop sustainable, long-term event strategies across Aotearoa. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston was thrilled with the initiative to encourage more visitors out to the regions. 'We've been laser-focused on growing tourism in New Zealand and one way to do this is to encourage people to explore beyond the main tourist centres. 'It means more visitors spending money in local cafes, businesses and accommodation providers, driving economic activity in our regions.' Transport and South Island Minister James Meager added, 'This programme is a win for New Zealand's regions. I welcome all efforts to encourage greater domestic travel and connectivity. 'This sponsorship will help give regions a boost to its visitor numbers – which we know will bring positive flow-on effects for the local economy – and aid our overarching goal of economic growth nationwide.' The airline will prioritise events that are new or emerging, help stimulate visitation outside peak periods, and align with the principles of sustainable tourism and the Tiaki Promise. The goal is to support events that create value not just for visitors, but for the communities that host them. '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,' says Hannifin. Event operators in Aotearoa can find out more about how to apply by contacting their local RTO directly.
