The Spark Arena Community Events Fund (SACEF) has announced a landmark venue support initiative, providing more than $100,000 in initial resource support to independent music and comedy venues across Auckland city centre.

The pilot programme provides funding for high-spec, artist-facing equipment – such as microphone packages, monitor wedges and professional DJ gear – directly to the city centre venues that serve as the incubators for New Zealand’s next generation of headliners.

“Live Nation acknowledges that the music community needs a healthy eco system of venues,” says Live Nation managing director Mark Kneebone.

“Artists don’t start at Spark Arena; they start at places like Whammy and The Classic Comedy Club.

“By helping to upgrade the equipment in these rooms, we are ensuring local artists have world-class tools to develop their craft right here in the city centre. This pilot programme has shown us that the need is there and the impact is real.”

Initial beneficiaries of the 2025 intake include:

• Whammy Ltd (St Kevins Arcade): Major acoustic and audio infrastructure upgrades across its three-stage complex.
• The Classic Comedy Club (Queen Street): Fixed digital broadcast and post production system dedicated to live recording of comedy and events.
• Neck of the Woods (K’ Rd): New industry-standard monitoring and lighting packages.
• The Mothership (Shortland St): Professional-grade DJ mixers and sound reinforcements for electronic artists.
• Ding Dong Lounge (Wyndham St): Essential backline (amps and drum hardware) to reduce costs for emerging bands.

The 2025 pilot programme specifically targeted independently-owned venues in Auckland city centre with a capacity of under 400 that focus on original live content.

Nurturing emerging talent

“Independent venues are where Auckland’s music and comedy scenes are grown, tested and shared with the world,” says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director of partnerships Vincent Lipanovich, on behalf of the Spark Arena Community Fund Committee.

“This pilot backs the places that nurture emerging talent and keep our city centre creative, lively and distinctive. We are proud to support a partnership that strengthens the full live performance ecosystem, from grassroots stages to global tours.”

A training ground for talent

“Every great headliner started in a small, loud room,” says Scott Blanks of The Classic Comedy Club.

“The Classic has always been the training ground for New Zealand’s comedic talent and keeping that engine running requires constant reinvestment. This funding ensures our infrastructure matches the world-class talent coming through our doors, keeping the city’s late-night culture vibrant and sustainable.”

Supporting the local music scene

“With the tough economic times faced in many sectors, particularly hospitality, finding extra revenue to purchase necessary backline essentials required to host local and international acts has been a tough process,” says Patrick Hawkins of The Mothership.

“The Spark Arena community fund has provided an amazing opportunity for venues to upgrade their equipment and is a huge support for local venues that are the backbone of the local music community and scene.

“This fund will help ensure that local events are given every opportunity to perform and sound world class with the additional equipment acquired and also help lower the running costs of these events for local promoters, bands and artists with less equipment hire required for each event.”

Previous beneficiaries of the Spark Arena Community Fund include Tuning Fork’s Sounds Fun for Kids, Emerging Artists at Tuning Fork (Next On), Tāmaki Makaurau Senior Regional Kapa Haka Competition and Mana Moana.