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

The 2025 pilot programme specifically targeted independently owned venues in central Auckland with a capacity of under 400 that focus on original live content. Funding was provided for artist-facing equipment such as microphone packages, monitors and professional DJ gear, directly to the venues that serve as incubators for NZ’s next generation of headline acts.

Initial beneficiaries included:
Whammy Ltd (St Kevins Arcade): Major acoustic and audio infrastructure upgrades across its three-stage complex.
The Classic Comedy Club (Queen Street): 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): Backline (amps and drum hardware) to reduce costs for bands.

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