News
October 12, 2025
Time to get Auckland’s groove back – Marisa Bidois
The city’s $25m events fund could help revive Auckland’s nightlife.
Auckland's nightlife, once a vibrant and integral part of the city's identity, has been yearning for a resurgence. Now, a glimmer of hope shines on the horizon, spearheaded by a significant injection of funds aimed at revitalizing the city’s entertainment scene. Marisa Bidois, a prominent voice in Auckland's cultural landscape, believes the city’s newly established $25 million events fund holds the key to unlocking Auckland’s groove once more.
The fund, designed to attract and support a diverse range of events, is specifically intended to breathe life back into Auckland’s after-dark economy. From live music performances to theatre productions, cultural festivals to sporting events, the possibilities are vast. The hope is that this financial boost will not only attract larger, established events but also foster the creation of new and innovative experiences that will draw crowds and reignite the city's nightlife.
Bidois emphasizes the importance of a thriving nightlife for a city's overall well-being. Beyond the purely economic benefits, a vibrant entertainment scene contributes significantly to a city's cultural identity, attracting tourists, boosting local businesses, and fostering a sense of community. A lively nightlife provides opportunities for social interaction, artistic expression, and simply unwinding after a long day.
The decline in Auckland’s nightlife has been attributed to various factors, including the lingering effects of the pandemic, changes in consumer behavior, and the increasing cost of living. Businesses in the hospitality sector have faced significant challenges, and many have struggled to stay afloat.
The $25 million fund is therefore seen as a crucial lifeline, offering much-needed support to event organizers and businesses alike. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to reduce the risk associated with hosting events, encouraging organizers to be more ambitious and creative in their offerings. The ultimate goal is to create a more diverse and appealing entertainment landscape that caters to a wide range of tastes and interests, ultimately drawing people back into the city center after dark and restoring Auckland to its former glory as a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. The potential for growth and revitalization is immense, and Bidois, along with many others, remains optimistic that this initiative will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Auckland's nightlife.
The fund, designed to attract and support a diverse range of events, is specifically intended to breathe life back into Auckland’s after-dark economy. From live music performances to theatre productions, cultural festivals to sporting events, the possibilities are vast. The hope is that this financial boost will not only attract larger, established events but also foster the creation of new and innovative experiences that will draw crowds and reignite the city's nightlife.
Bidois emphasizes the importance of a thriving nightlife for a city's overall well-being. Beyond the purely economic benefits, a vibrant entertainment scene contributes significantly to a city's cultural identity, attracting tourists, boosting local businesses, and fostering a sense of community. A lively nightlife provides opportunities for social interaction, artistic expression, and simply unwinding after a long day.
The decline in Auckland’s nightlife has been attributed to various factors, including the lingering effects of the pandemic, changes in consumer behavior, and the increasing cost of living. Businesses in the hospitality sector have faced significant challenges, and many have struggled to stay afloat.
The $25 million fund is therefore seen as a crucial lifeline, offering much-needed support to event organizers and businesses alike. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to reduce the risk associated with hosting events, encouraging organizers to be more ambitious and creative in their offerings. The ultimate goal is to create a more diverse and appealing entertainment landscape that caters to a wide range of tastes and interests, ultimately drawing people back into the city center after dark and restoring Auckland to its former glory as a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. The potential for growth and revitalization is immense, and Bidois, along with many others, remains optimistic that this initiative will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Auckland's nightlife.
Category:
Business