The government has announced it is starting an investigation into changing local rules around the use of Auckland's Eden Park for major events.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism Minister Louise Upston said they wanted to "boost" Eden Park's status as a major sports events venue.
Concerts and major events held at Eden Park inject millions of dollars into Auckland's economy, Upston said, but current planning rules could be holding it back from doing more.
"Last summer Auckland's economy received a boost of nearly $32 million from several big concerts. These events created jobs and had local hospitality businesses humming," Bishop said.
"We want to see more events like these, and the government's $70 million events and tourism investment package announced yesterday will allow New Zealand to compete with Australia to host big events and will give international visitors even more reasons to come and explore New Zealand, while also encouraging Kiwis to get out and about."
Bishop said he had heard there were local rules and constraints around Eden Park that could be "restricting its ability to host".
"For example, Eden Park is only allowed to host six artists playing a total of 12 shows per year. These shows can only take place on certain days of the week, can only have a maximum duration of five hours, have to be finished by 11pm on weekdays, and can host no more than four concerts in a four-week period.
"Sporting events face many barriers too. The stadium is currently not allowed to host more than 25 night-time sporting events per year, and they can only be between 7.30pm and 9.30 pm on weekdays (except for cricket which can go until 10pm). Sporting events can't take place on Sunday evenings.
"And despite the stadium's huge capacity, conferences can't have more than 2000 people."
Bishop said he would hold an investigation into whether the rules around Eden Park were negatively impacting economic growth, and if it was, make direct changes to those rules.
The investigation would be done under the new Resource Management Act (RMA).
Further details would be announced in the coming weeks, Bishop said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke about the investigation during his regular post-Cabinet media conference.
Luxon said there would be a consultation conversation with Auckland Council, residents and the public, but this would advance the economic growth and opportunity for New Zealand.
"These are things we've gotta say yes to... I don't want to lose it."
He said the government would engage in conversation with others, but ultimately the decision would lie with the government.
Business leader reacts to government's tourism plan
An Auckland business leader said the government's $70 million tourism plan was money well spent.
The recently announced investment would include a $40 million dollar events attraction package to secure large scale international events from next year.
Hotel DeBrett food and beverage operations leader Mandy Lusk told Checkpoint big events make a major difference.
"Everyone who comes up for them, they are generally on holiday so it's a really positive vibe.
"They are all happy, they are all buzzy, they are out spending money.
"The potential of some big concerts and things coming will just be amazing for the city, even though it is a long way out as in next year as soon as those promoters start getting some names lined up people start booking hotels."
Tom Phillips inquiry
The post-Cabinet press conference comes on a day Luxon said there would likely be an inquiry into the handling of the Tom Phillips case by government agencies.
It has been a week since Phillips, who had been on the run with his children in the Waikato wilderness four nearly four years, was shot dead in a confrontation with police.
Luxon said there had been some "very reasonable questions raised" by the media and the public which he thought needed answers.
He said an inquiry would look at the actions of government agencies, like Oranga Tamariki and police.
"I'm taking advice and will have more to about it when we do... what the scope of that will be I can't talk to that today, I want proper advice on that"
Palestinian statehood
On the topic of recognising Palestine as a state, Luxon said Cabinet were still discussing what to do, but had committed to making a decision at the United Nations leaders week.
Luxon said the government was calling out "both parties" in the region and wanted them to get round the table and orchestrate a ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.
"We are working our way as a Cabinet on a very serious issue... considering all the views, considering all our engagements with others... to make our own independent decision around recognition...
"We are doing that but we need to do it in fairness as a Cabinet. There is no final decision by Cabinet yet."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
