The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally has received significant support from the New Zealand Government, securing funding through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Events Boost Fund.
The one-off $10 million Events Boost Fund aims “to increase international visitation and drive economic activity in the short-term through supporting the growth and promotion of events,” according to MBIE, and will be used to support a large number of events.
As a contestable fund, it is targeted at events that can demonstrate the capability to deliver increased international visitation, strong economic outcomes, and valuable international exposure, while encouraging visitors to explore New Zealand more widely.
“This is one of many exciting events the Government is supporting in 2026,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said.
“From world-class international and homegrown musical acts to sports fixtures and arts and cultural celebrations, these events will bring fans, visitors, and a big boost to New Zealand’s economy.
Otago Rally spokesman, Roger Oakley, says the support is both timely and transformative.
“We are extremely grateful for this support, and very heartened by the recognition that rallying and our event can produce real benefits for our community and for New Zealand,” Oakley said.
“In making the application for funding, we offered a range of potential initiatives, and are now working to prioritise and implement those that will most effectively meet MBIE’s goals.
“These will increase the spectacle for the fans and promote the event to a wider audience. We will make announcements on these as soon as possible.”
In recent years, the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally has placed a strong focus on elevating the experience for both competitors and spectators.
Enhanced promotional initiatives have showcased not only the competition itself, but also the stories of the people, communities, and breathtaking landscapes the event traverses — an aspect in which rallying naturally excels.
The new funding is expected to accelerate these efforts and further position the Otago Rally as a premier motorsport event capable of attracting international attention, boosting local economies, and inspiring visitors to discover more of New Zealand.
To be held from April 10 to 12 next year, the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is perfectly positioned on the calendar, falling the weekend after Easter.
International stars Kris Meeke and Pasi Hagstrom have already been unveiled as star attractions, with further overseas drivers expected to join them on the start line in central Dunedin.
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