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TSB Festival of Lights crowned New Zealand’s best local government event

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PUBLISHED: 6 AUG 2026
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NPDC’s TSB Festival of Lights has been crowned the country’s best local government event at the New Zealand Event Association (NZEA) Awards, reclaiming the title it first won in 2022

NPDC Manager Venues and Events Chade Julie says the awards recognise what makes the Festival so special.

“I’ve always felt there’s a bit of magic behind the festival. It’s become a holiday tradition for generations of local families, and over the decades it’s developed a special history and character that makes it feel uniquely Taranaki,” he says.

"Combined with the stunning setting of Pukekura Park and everything our region has to offer, it's no surprise the festival attracted more than 45,000 visitors from outside Taranaki last year, delivering an estimated $23 million in total economic impact to the region.

“Behind every great event is an equally great team, and ours puts an incredible amount of work into bringing the festival to life each year, supported by our partners, sponsors and community,” says Chade.

The TSB Festival of Lights will illuminate Pukekura Park from 19 December 2026 to 24 January 2027, delivering 37 nights of world-class lighting installations, live music and entertainment.

The programme will be announced later this year. Visit festivaloflights.nz or follow the Festival on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Visitors travelling from outside Taranaki can plan ahead at taranaki.co.nz for travel inspiration, accommodation options and must-do activities.

At a glance

  • Last year, the TSB Festival of Lights delivered $11.8 million in GDP contribution to the Taranaki economy and $23.1 million in total economic impact (2025/2026 Business and Economic Research Ltd study).
  • The Festival is supported by naming rights partner TSB, along with funders and strategic partners Venture Taranaki, Toi Foundation, New Plymouth Airport and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Events Boost Fund.
  • The 2025/26 festival generated an estimated 162,500 visits to Pukekura Park across its five-week season.
  • Every $1 spent staging the event in 2025/26 generated $13.60 in visitor expenditure.
  • The TSB Festival of Lights is powered by 100% renewable electricity, sourced from New Plymouth Airport’s solar farm.

Caption: Young festivalgoers enjoy the entertainment at the TSB Festival of Lights. Photo by Charlotte Curd.

 

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Page last updated: 09:10am Thu 06 August 2026

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