NZEA New Zealand Event Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in the Events Industry
MEDIA RELEASE 28 AUGUST 2024
The NZEA New Zealand Event Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the events industry last night at a glamorous gala dinner held in Palmerston North. Over 300 event professionals gathered to honour the best and brightest in the industry, recognising their outstanding achievements and contributions.
One of the most anticipated accolades, Best Mega or Major Event, was awarded to the FIFA Women's World Cup, a testament to its monumental impact and long-lasting legacy. The ASB Classic won the Best Sport Event category, highlighting its exceptional organisation and fan engagement.
Christchurch emerged as a significant winner, with Electric Avenue claiming the Best Music Event title. This victory is particularly exciting as the event has recently announced its expansion to span two days, promising even more spectacular experiences for attendees.
In the individual awards, Karena Finnie from ChristchurchNZ was honoured as the Best Established Event Professional, highlighting her dedication and expertise in the field. ChristchurchNZ further cemented its reputation by winning the Best Marketing or Creative Award for its innovative and captivating campaign for the ITM Sail Grand Prix.
Over 11,000 individuals voted for New Zealand’s Favourite event, with Warbirds over Wanaka coming out the champion. This event welcomed over 64,000 guests over three days and generated more than $40 million for the regional economy in 2024.
A highlight of the evening was the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, presented to Chris Simpson. Recognised for his pivotal role in bringing the FIFA Women’s World Cup to New Zealand, Chris has been a driving force in the events sector. His career, marked by the founding of numerous agencies and his recent leadership as Head of Major Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has left an incredible mark on the industry.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their remarkable achievements. The NZEA New Zealand Event Awards continues to celebrate the innovation, passion, and hard work that make New Zealand’s event industry world-class.
For more information, please contact:
NZEA New Zealand Event Association
Email: info@nzea.co
Phone: +64 21 508 507
About NZEA New Zealand Event Association
The NZEA New Zealand Event Association is dedicated to supporting and promoting the events industry in New Zealand. Through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities, NZEA aims to foster a thriving event ecosystem that contributes to the cultural and economic growth of the country.
Full list of winners:
Best Emerging Industry Professional 2024 – Proudly sponsored by NZICC
Karli Dungey, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd
Best Established Industry Professional 2024
Karena Finnie, ChristchurchNZ
Best Arts, Cultural or Heritage Event 2024
Waitangi Day 2024, Porirua City
Best Business Event 2024 – Proudly sponsored by Cvent
Central Districts Field Days 2024, Stuff
Best Community or Not-for-profit Event 2024 (under 3000 participants)
Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival 2023, Ōpōtiki District Council - isite & Events Team
Best Community or Not-for-profit Event 2024 (over 3000 participants)
Takapuna Winter Lights, Takapuna Beach Business Association
Best Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event 2024 - Proudly sponsored by AF Drinks
Taste Hastings, Hastings District Council
Best Local Government Event 2024 – Proudly sponsored by Coast Group
ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2024, Ashburton District Council & Rí Rá Events
Best Major or Mega Event 2024 - Proudly sponsored by Congress Rental
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, New Zealand Football
Best Music Event 2024 – Proudly sponsored by APRA
Electric Avenue, Team Event
Best Sports Event 2024 – Proudly sponsored by Ticketek
ASB Classic 2024, Tennis Auckland
Best Marketing or Creative 2024 – Proudly sponsored by Phantom Billstickers
ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, SailGP & ChristchurchNZ
Best Supplier 2024 – proudly sponsored by NZME
Spur for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
Best Technology Innovation 2024 - proudly sponsored by Streamliner
iTICKET NZ for Toast Martinborough 2023
Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative 2024 – Proudly sponsored by Ticketmaster
Te Matarau Wānanga, Stuff Events
Best Sustainability Initiative 2024
Whitianga Oceans Festival, Whitianga Scallop Festival Inc.
Best Venue 2024 – Proudly supported by EVANZ
Wellington Regional Stadium for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
New Zealand’s Favourite Event 2024 – Proudly sponsored by the City of Palmerston North
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2024, Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry 2024
Chris Simpson