In this episode of Level Playing Field, Sports Law Partner Richard Wells, and Senior Associate Sarah Redding discuss New Zealand's major events framework and the legislation that underpins the hosting of international sporting events. They explore the purpose and operation of the Major Events Management Act 2007 (MEMA), the process for declaring an event a "major event", and the legal protections that come with that designation. Richard and Sarah also look back at some of the major sporting events New Zealand has hosted over the last two decades and unpack how these events are funded, managed and supported by government investment.
[00:05] Sarah and Richard introduce the concept of major events in New Zealand sport and explain why the government introduced specific legislation ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. They discuss how MEMA was designed to protect sponsors, broadcasters and event organisers by providing legal tools to combat ambush marketing, ticket scalping and other commercial risks.
[03:23] Richard explains the process for declaring an event a major event under MEMA. He outlines the role of MBIE, the Minister and the Governor-General, and discusses the factors considered when determining whether an event warrants special legal protections.
[05:37] Richard and Sarah reflect on the wide range of major events New Zealand has hosted since MEMA came into force, from age-group world championships through to Rugby World Cups, Cricket World Cups, the FIFA Women's World Cup and the rise of major women's sporting events.
[08:20] The discussion turns to the protections available once an event has been designated a major event. Richard explains key features of the legislation, including restrictions on ambush marketing, clean zones, ticket scalping protections and measures designed to protect the commercial integrity of major events.
[11:56] Sarah and Richard discuss the commercial realities of hosting major events, including sponsorship, broadcasting rights and government investment. They explore how the economic, social and infrastructure benefits of hosting major events are weighed against the costs involved.
[13:49] Richard outlines the Major Events Fund and explains how its eligibility criteria differ from the legal designation process under MEMA. He discusses the government's focus on international profile, visitation, economic outcomes and alignment with broader strategic objectives.
[16:10] Richard and Sarah examine the additional considerations for sport-specific funding, including athlete development pathways, high-performance sport priorities and participation outcomes. They discuss the positive impact major women's sporting events have had on the profile and accessibility of sport in New Zealand.
[17:37] Richard explains the reporting obligations that accompany government funding and the importance of leverage and legacy planning. He highlights the government's expectation that major events deliver long-term benefits through infrastructure, participation growth, capability development and enduring community outcomes.
[19:28] Looking ahead to the next episode, Sarah and Richard preview the commercial and governance structures behind major events, including local organising committees, funding arrangements, stakeholder involvement and the agreements that sit behind successful event delivery.
Information in this episode is correct as at the date of recording, Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
Please contact Richard Wells, Sarah Redding or our Sports law team if you need any legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in this episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at [email protected] and sign up to receive Sports law updates via your inbox here.
