NZ police blame alcohol abuse and violence on a widespread crackdown on outdoor events. But promoters call that "misinformation" and say unfair opposition puts their events at risk.

This weekend tens of thousands of people will converge on a two-day Christchurch music festival on the cusp of international attention. Nadine Roberts takes a look inside Electric Avenue.

Womad Aotearoa is rebranding one of its stages and giving it over exclusively to DJs.

Event organisers say the Tui Stage - formerly known as the Dell - takes its inspiration from the vibrant beauty of Pukekura Park, the home to Womad in New Plymouth.

World Buskers Festival has been running since 1993, and this year features 330 performances over a 10 day period.

There will be dancers, acrobatics, circus and comedy shows, meaning this year's festival has something for everyone.

Electric Avenue attendees will only be able to order two alcoholic drinks at a time, after authorities strongly opposed part of its alcohol license and accused organisers of prioritising profit over patrons.

Early indications suggest it has been a strong weekend for Auckland businesses following three major events. 

More than 25,000 people attended the inaugural Auckland League of Sail GP. 

Music lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to summer festivals across the motu, but rising production and artist costs - along with dwindling ticket sales - are proving challenging for promoters.

“Kiwis spend thousands flying across the Tasman to see massive concerts, go out to bars and restaurants, and boost the Australian economy, when back home Eden Park sits empty because of council event rules,” Luxon said.

The Winter Games NZ will no longer be held after 15 years. Event administrators say delivering the event had become "untenable" due to various economic factors

On concerts, Luxon said they can boost our local economies.

“Kiwis spend thousands flying across the Tasman to see massive concerts, go out to bars and restaurants, and boost the Australian economy, when back home Eden Park sits empty because of council event rules.

Wellington’s iconic Homegrown festival is set to say goodbye to the capital after 18 years.

It was announced today that Homegrown will move cities in 2026 in a “bittersweet change” for organisers, who cited “a myriad of personal and logistical reasons”.

RnB summer festival Juicy Fest has cancelled its New Zealand dates, with organisers blaming an alleged “intentional” effort to stop it from going ahead amid licensing troubles.

Auckland's Laneway Festival has been forced to cancel entry to under-18s at its 2025 event, despite already selling tickets to people aged 16 and 17.

An application to admit younger patrons was rejected by the Auckland District Licensing Committee, organisers said in a written statement on Friday.

According to the Massey University website, the research shows that the live performance sector contributed at least $17.3 billion in social and economic value to Aotearoa New Zealand in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.

An Auckland MP is concerned about the amount of time police are spending monitoring events - rather than being on the beat in communities.

Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming is floating the idea of allowing police to charge for their presence at some large profitable events. 

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has allowed major events like the Fifa Women’s World Cup to remain with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. The mayor decided that keeping destination marketing and major events with TAU was consistent with a commercially funded model.