Oprah Winfrey’s Auckland appearance has been quietly moved from Spark Arena to the much smaller Civic Theatre, suggesting weaker than expected ticket sales for the talk show host’s one night only event.

The American media personality was set to appear at Spark Arena on 14 December as part of her “In Conversation” tour, but ticketing listings now show The Civic as the new venue.

The promoter has not offered an explanation for the change.

Spark Arena can hold up to 12,000 people, while The Civic seats about 2,400, marking a significant drop in capacity.

While promoters often adjust venues to match demand, the relocation from one of the country’s largest indoor arenas to a mid-sized theatre points to a lower level of interest than expected.

One Industry observer said the move reflects the challenges of selling premium tickets in a tight economy and changing audience behaviour in the wake of international cost-of-living pressures.

“Oprah’s once commanding star power has dimmed in recent years. Her sharp, probing interview style has given way to a softer, public relations tone that many fans feel lacks the authenticity and edge that once defined her.

“The Civic’s intimate layout may suit the “in conversation” format, but the optics of the downgrade are difficult to ignore for one of the world’s most recognisable figures.”

A similar downsizing has occurred for her Brisbane show, which was originally booked for the Brisbane Entertainment Centre but has since been relocated to the smaller Great Hall at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The change reduces seating from more than 13,000 to about 4,000, indicating a substantial scale-back there as well.

Winfrey last visited New Zealand in 2015, when she spoke to a packed audience at Auckland’s Vector Arena, now known as Spark Arena.

Her upcoming event at The Civic is scheduled for Sunday, 14 December at 8pm.