NPDC’s iconic TSB Festival of Lights is set to shine for summers to come, with TSB renewing its naming rights sponsorship and New Plymouth Airport and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Events Boost Fund coming on board.
This summer’s festival at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park kicks off on 19 December and runs through to 24 January 2027, signalling an exciting new phase for the festival with TSB extending its 23-year partnership through to the 2028-2029 season.
New Plymouth Districts Mayor Max Brough praised TSB for its ongoing commitment, as well as all other funding supporters including Toi Foundation and Venture Taranaki, stating this is a clear vote of confidence in the quality of the event and the benefits it brings to Taranaki.
“The TSB Festival of Lights is a world-class event which is accessible to everyone. For those who grew up here, the magic of the lights, entertainment, and memories of Grimace the Gorilla swinging through the trees were all part of the summer tradition” says Mayor Max.
“Alongside the great memories and excitement people get out of the festival, it also brings visitors into town who support our local businesses and economy.”
TSB has been the festival’s naming rights sponsor since 2004, with the renewed partnership running through to the 2028–29 season, marking 26 years of support.
Kerry Boielle, Chief Executive Officer of TSB, adds “TSB is incredibly proud to continue backing the TSB Festival of Lights, which has become such an iconic part of summer in Taranaki and a really special tradition for so many whānau across Aotearoa.
“We love that the event is accessible to everyone and creates moments of joy, connection and creativity for our community and visitors. To see Pukekura Park come alive each summer is simply magic, along with the positive impact the festival has right across our region - from the memories families make, through to the support it provides local businesses and tourism.
“As a long-time supporter of the festival, we’re thrilled to extend our partnership for summers to come and help bring this incredible event to life.”
Last summer, the event attracted more than 45,000 out-of-region visitors to Taranaki over five weeks, with most making the trip especially to see the lights. The event delivered an estimated $11.8 million boost to our regional GDP with benefits for accommodation providers, hospitality venues and retailers across the region.
NPDC’s events team is already hard at work on this year’s festival, and Event Lead Lisa Ekdahl says the focus is on producing and delivering another dynamic event in Pukekura Park this summer.
“This will be NPDC’s 33rd festival. We’re exploring international‑class lighting installations and seeing strong interest from musicians and entertainers. It’s all coming together for another ambitious festival,” she says.
