|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
American rock giants Linkin Park and the FIFA World Series 2026 will be among the headline international events coming to Auckland next year, as the Government unveils the first tranche of its new major events investment.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the first successful bids today, confirming a mix of global acts and major sporting fixtures that will kick off in 2026 as part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism package.
Linkin Park will bring their From Zero World Tour to Auckland’s Spark Arena on 18 March 2026, their first New Zealand performance since 2013. The tour began in 2024 and New Zealand was not originally included, making the newly announced Auckland show a significant get for promoters.
Securing Linkin Park, one of the most influential rock bands of the 2000s, is expected to draw strong demand from both domestic fans and international visitors.
Auckland will also host matches in the FIFA Series 2026, FIFA’s new international friendly programme created to expand cross-confederation football opportunities.
The event will see national teams that normally never meet face off in New Zealand, providing an important showcase ahead of the next FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA Series is expected to attract strong interest from Australian supporters of the three visiting nations, generating valuable trans-Tasman visitation as well as global broadcast and media coverage.
Upston said the events announced today represent an investment of more than $5 million, with more major names, including star international acts to be confirmed early in 2026.
“Today’s acts and events are just the start, offering something for hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors, along with a big boost to New Zealand’s economy,” she said.
Among the wider line-up, Six60 and Synthony are collaborating on a new show in Christchurch, and the internationally renowned Ultra Music Festival will bring its Miami-style EDM event to Wellington.
Upston said the major events package is designed to drive tourism, visitor spending and commercial activity across cities and regions.
“Major events don’t just attract visitors, they inject life and energy into cities and towns. The economic benefits are huge – hotels fill up, restaurants and cafes thrive, tills ring in our shops, and local businesses see a surge in customers.”
She said this is “just the beginning”, with more than 70 events expected to receive support through the Events Attraction Package and Events Boost Fund.
“I’ve been delighted with the calibre of applications for funding, interest is high, and we’re working carefully through the process to ensure robust contracts can be signed as soon as possible.”
The events announced today have been funded through either the $10 million Events Boost Fund (EBF) or the $40 million Events Attraction Package (EAP).
Further announcements are expected early next year.
