A Government investment has been confirmed for the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival 2026, with local MPs saying the funding was expected to deliver strong benefits for the city and its businesses.

MP for Ilam Dr Hamish Campbell said the festival would attract thousands of visitors from across New Zealand and overseas, providing a boost to the hospitality and tourism sectors.

“The festival will showcase top designers and emerging talent, putting Christchurch firmly on the fashion map.

“When events like this are on, hotels fill up, cafés and restaurants get busy, and local businesses see more customers coming through the door,” Dr Campbell said.

He said the Government was investing in both the New Zealand Fashion Festival in Auckland and the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival as part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, supporting a range of events across the country.

MP for Banks Peninsula Vanessa Weenink said several South Island events would benefit from the package, including the 2026 South Island Masters Games, the Nelson Arts Festival, and The Spectacle in Nelson.

She said another key initiative was ON SHOW, a city wide marketing campaign featuring more than 12 events designed to position Christchurch as a premier international visitor destination, with a focus on attracting Australian travellers.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export, directly contributing $17 billion to GDP and supporting just under 200,000 jobs. These events will help lift visitor spending, boost retail and hospitality, and benefit local businesses and communities,” Weenink said.