Wellington is set to benefit from the newly announced funding from the Government's Major Events Boost fund.
Announced by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hon Louise Upston, new funding announced in the Government’s Major Events Boost fund will bring visitors back into Wellington this year.
The funding will support programming and marketing for international chef collaborations for Visa Wellington On a Plate, while Beervana’s funding will go towards promoting the festival in Australia, where demand for craft beer tourism is growing.
The Wellington Culinary Events Trust (WCET), which runs both festivals, said the support offers a rare chance to turn two home-grown events into even bigger international drawcards.
“When it comes to food and drink, Wellington has an energy you don’t find anywhere else,” said General Manager Penny de Borst.
“This funding means we can share that magic offshore and invite more people to experience it for themselves. It also lets us bring higher-profile chefs to New Zealand, so people can taste their food right here in Wellington, our hospitality community can learn from them, and Aotearoa’s incredible produce can be showcased in their hands.”
In 2025, Visa Wellington On a Plate and Beervana delivered a combined NZD 10 million boost to the Wellington economy, attracting more than 4,500 out-of-town visitors. Ticket sales, visitor nights, burger purchases and increased hospitality spend across both festivals contributed to this impact.
“This funding injection is a welcome investment in the cultural and economic vibrancy of our region, and we’re grateful to the government for recognising the value these festivals bring to Wellington,” said Heidi Morton, GM of Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ.
“Events like Visa Wellington On a Plate and Beervana celebrate the city’s culinary creativity while offering unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. These festivals reinforce Wellington’s status as Aotearoa’s culinary capital, and this funding will amplify that story on the global stage.”
Penny de Borst said, as a not-for-profit supporting Wellington’s hospitality and New Zealand’s brewing communities, they’ve never had an opportunity of this magnitude to share their story internationally.
“Through our chef collaborations, New Zealand’s food culture will be woven into global menus, cookbooks and chef storytelling for years to come and position Beervana as a ‘must-do’ for craft beer lovers beyond New Zealand.”
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