ChristchurchNZ Major Events received $1.4 million through the Christchurch City Council’s most recent annual plan, which helped bring in a range of events including the Foo Fighters and a Warriors rugby league game.
It has ramped up efforts to attract events ahead of the opening of its new 30,000-capacity stadium Te Kaha.
The stadium is budgeted to cost more than $680m, and construction of the arena was estimated to be completed by mid-2026.
Dunedin Venues Management Ltd chief executive Terry Davies said the construction and eventual arrival of the new Christchurch stadium would not change their approach to Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"Christchurch isn't the only competition.
"We've got a number of things already in place that Christchurch doesn't yet have.
"That includes our relationship with promoters, and our history of putting on past major events.
"That’s not something you can start from scratch.
"Once a promoter brings in a major product you have to be ready."
The fact the stadium was roofed was an added attraction, particularly when it came to securing All Blacks test matches.
"We've heard time and time again from sides how much they love playing under a roof."
Dunedin was "aggressive" in bidding for major events, as evidenced in securing Pink for the stadium in March.
"We should be able to give people an idea of the attractions for next summer shortly."
Enterprise Dunedin director John Christie said the organisation had an an annual major events budget of about $400,000, about a quarter of that of ChristchurchNZ.
However, he thought the city had the infrastructure and connections in place to remain competitive.
ChristchurchNZ head of major events Karena Finnie said the new stadium would strengthen the city’s ability to attract and invest in larger-scale events such as major concerts and international sporting fixtures, both outdoor and indoor.
