New Zealand will host its first-ever Australian State of Origin rugby league match next year at Eden Park, a major event expected to draw thousands of international visitors.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston said the Government and Auckland Council had worked with the Australian Rugby League Commission to bring the sporting spectacular to Auckland.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Blues and Maroons across the ditch for the very first time,” Ms Upston said.
“This is a milestone moment for rugby league in New Zealand, but it is so much more than a game.
“Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract over 10,000 of our Aussie neighbours, generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the economy.
“With a significant Australian audience, our biggest tourism market, this match will showcase Auckland on an international stage, and put New Zealand on the map as a world-class destination for major events.”
The State of Origin series is one of the fiercest rivalries in global sport, pitting the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales against each other in a high‑intensity three‑match contest.
Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown says securing Origin for the city reflects Auckland’s strength as a major sporting centre.
“Auckland is a great sporting city, so it’s fantastic that an iconic event like State of Origin will be coming here next year,” he said.
“This city is the home of rugby league in New Zealand and thanks to the recent success of the Warriors, the sport here has never been bigger.
“From the outset, Auckland made it clear we wanted to bring State of Origin to our city, and we’ve worked hard to secure it.
“We know how to host major events, and we know the value they bring. This match will mean full hotels, busy restaurants and bars, and thousands of visitors experiencing everything our region has to offer.”
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys AM said the historic clash will give more New Zealanders the opportunity to experience the intensity of the game’s greatest rivalry.
“Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific, and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Mr V’landys says.
“State of Origin isn’t just a football match — it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s the greatest rivalry in Australian sport, and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.
“The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park, and it will be a milestone moment for the game.”
The only New Zealander to coach a State of Origin team as a former Queensland coach, Sir Graham Lowe says the occasion will be one to remember.
“Eden Park in its history has had some exciting events that have kept people talking for years. State of Origin will take it to another level again.
“Kiwis are excited about State of Origin, but there are only a few of them that have had the opportunity to actually watch it live. This will be a fantastic occasion for Auckland.”
Minister Upston said changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park announced by the Government today, will help unlock the opportunity for more major events to be hosted at the stadium.
Under the new settings, Eden Park will be able to host up to 12 large concerts and 20 medium-sized concerts per year as permitted activities, without needing resource consent.
“That’s up from its current limit of 12 concerts, which were not permitted to be from more than six different artists or acts,” said RMA Reform Minister, Chris Bishop.
“The changes also enable a wider range of events, including exhibitions, displays, markets, fairs, trade fairs, and cultural and community events.”
The changes are expected to be in place by April this year.
“Concerts will be able to take place on any day, must finish by 11pm, and can run for up to eight hours. This is a significant increase on the current maximum of five hours on a weekday and six hours on a Saturday,” said Mr Bishop.
“Night-time sports games will be permitted on any day, including Sundays, provided noise standards are met. Existing caps on the number of night games per year and per 35-day period, as well as the restriction on day-night cricket matches, will be removed,” he said.
The 2027 State of Origin fixture will be supported by the Government’s Major Events Fund and Auckland Council Events.
Dates and ticket details for the State of Origin fixture will be confirmed by the NRL later in the year.
