Hamilton is set to welcome one of New Zealand’s largest equestrian lifestyle events, with Hamilton City Council confirming a three-year sponsorship agreement for Equifest through its Major Event Sponsorship Fund.
The funding announcement comes as Council celebrates another successful year of major events across the city, with thousands of visitors attending Council-supported sporting, cultural and community events throughout 2025–26.
Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor, Chair of the Major Events Subcommittee, said events like Equifest play an important role in driving economic activity, attracting visitors and showcasing Hamilton on a national scale.
“These events bring energy and activity into Hamilton, attract visitors who might not otherwise be here, and help showcase what the city has to offer,” said Taylor.
“When we talk about the economic benefits of major events, domestic visitors bring around $150–$250 per night; international visitors approximately $280 per day; and business events are the highest at around $400 per day. There’s a huge multiplying effect there, and it’s exciting to see major events like Equifest, which is even bigger than Homegrown, coming to Hamilton too.”
At the 12 May Major Events Subcommittee meeting, Equifest was awarded a three-year sponsorship agreement of $50,000 per year, providing long-term support and certainty as the event prepares to make Hamilton its new home.
The multi-year investment reflects Council’s confidence in Equifest’s ability to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits while adding to the city’s growing calendar of major events.
Hamilton City Council’s Major Event Sponsorship Fund supports events that increase city exposure and promotion, deliver economic benefits, and create a sense of pride within the community.
This year, Council-supported major events attracted more than 68,000 attendees, participants and supporters across a wide range of sporting, cultural and lifestyle events throughout the region.
Equifest joins a strong lineup of major events supported through the fund, helping position Hamilton as a destination for large-scale experiences that bring visitors, vibrancy and economic growth to the city.
