45140 (2025). Glen Bennett to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

45140 (2025). Glen Bennett to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What assessment, if any, has she made of whether the cancellation of next year’s WOMAD festival in Taranaki could have been avoided with earlier or more consistent Government support for major events?

Hon Louise Upston: I have not made that assessment. However, post WOMAD festival’s public announcement to not hold the event in 2026, the government announced the $10m Event Boost Fund. I understand that WOMAD organisers reconsidered with this fund in mind but decided to proceed with the decision not to hold the event in 2026.