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The biennial Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts returned to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington earlier this year following a heavily impacted 2022 Festival due to Covid-19.

Over seventy events, engaging more than five hundred artists and crew, took place during the Festival, showcasing acclaimed international talent, world premieres, and iconic contemporary arts experiences. For 2024, the Festival extended into autumn with Light Cycles by Canadian creative studio Moment Factory at the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā which was experienced by more than 31,000 people alone.

In total, more than 68,000 tickets were issued with an overall attendance of 470,000 including to free events.

Survey data shows the major drivers to attend were the international and Aotearoa New Zealand programme, a love for live events and wanting to experience something new. For those coming from outside of the region, spending time with family and friends was another key factor.

BERL, a leading provider of economic research and analysis, estimate that more than 34,000 people from outside of the Wellington region and overseas attended the Festival. On average, visitors spent between $200-300 a day in the city, contributing significantly to Wellington’s economy.

Amanda Reid, Principal Consultant, BERL says, “This influx of visitors from outside of the region benefits a wide range of sectors, from hospitality and accommodation to retail, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth across the region.

“It’s essential to note that the impacts go far beyond pure economics with the Festival being a catalyst for social cohesion and civic pride. Our research indicates that the Festival enhances Wellington’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub and has a positive influence on how Wellingtonians feel about where they live.”

Executive Director of Tāwhiri, producers of the Festival, Angela Green says, “We are proud to contribute to the vitality of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington in the summer months, and the uniqueness of our city is such an asset: venues are within walking distance, locals are passionate about the arts and artists are making great work. Watching audiences spill out of the theatres and seeing thousands of people captivated by Light Cycles’ lit environment I was struck by how powerfully arts and culture connects us.”

Survey results reveal that 88% of Wellingtonians who attended agree that the Festival increases their pride in the city and 97% agree it makes Wellington a more enjoyable place to live. Audience satisfaction was also overwhelmingly positive, with a 93% rating. Light Cycles was particularly successful in driving Wellington’s reputation with out of towners with 74% agreeing that attending the event improved their perception of Wellington as a place to visit.

WellingtonNZ Events and Experiences General Manager Heidi Morton says the longevity and diverse programme of the Festival makes the event one of the most important ingredients in defining Wellington as a creative city. “WellingtonNZ’s partnership with festival producers Tāwhiri is a key pillar of our Major Events portfolio and this year having Light Cycles boost the festival programme was an absolute winner.”

The Festival and Light Cycles had a positive impact on local businesses. Hazel Rigler, Chief Executive Officer at Village Accommodation Group comments, “Light Cycles was a remarkable example of how art can reinvigorate our city. The event attracted a wide audience, injecting much-needed vibrancy and substantially benefiting both our business and the wider hospitality sector. After the challenges of the post-pandemic period, it was heartening to see our city thrive through the power of creativity and shared experiences.”

Also reflecting on Light Cycles, Chief Executive of the Wellington Cable Car Tansy Tompkins affirms, “This was such an exciting event for Wellington, and we loved being a part of it. We offered a special discount for attendees, and the response was amazing with nearly 8,000 additional passengers riding the Cable Car during what is usually a quieter time for us. It was great to see so many people out and supporting attractions like the Cable Car."

In addition to the Festival, Tāwhiri (Festival producers) presented the 2024 Lexus Song Quest in association with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation in August. The Song Quest is a biennial opera singing competition which has been the launch pad for several extremely successful careers. This year’s winner, mezzo soprano Katie Trigg, joins the ranks of previous high-profile winners including Amitai Pati, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Jonathan Lemalu and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

Green says, “Over 27,000 people experienced the Grand Final Gala this year live at the Michael Fowler Centre and across the livestream and RNZ Concert channels. People were tuning in from all over the world and we more than doubled our livestream views. Aotearoa produces opera singers of a very high calibre and it’s exciting to see the growth in audiences following this prestigious competition.”

Marking its 40th anniversary, the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts will return to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington in the Summer of 2026.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Rebecca Reed   rebecca@arribapr.co.nz 021 205 7718