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. Sky Stadium also won the Best Venue 2024 category for their incredible work achieved during the FIFA Women's World Cup in Wellington.
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: [email protected]
Phone: +64 21 508 507