A games and entertainment hub featuring live music at the University Union has been dropped — a move expected to reduce costs by about $100,000.
A streamlined check-in and administrative centre would be set up instead, and there would be a major shift in event operations to the Edgar Centre indoor sports complex, a report for the Dunedin City Council said.
Other changes would include the Masters Games Trust asking sports partners to take on more responsibility for marketing and organising social events.
The national event features more than 50 sports and games, attracting thousands of participants. Dunedin has hosted it every second year.
The 2022 games were cancelled because of Covid-19 and last year’s event made a $193,350.84 loss, leading to the city council writing off debt of $148,364.03, excluding GST.
The council has agreed to underwrite the games until 2036.
Participant registrations were budgeted at 5500 for the February 2024 games but finished well short on 3801.
After the financial loss, an evaluation was carried out and the trust and council worked on an events plan.
The games hub had served as a central venue for participant check-ins, social gatherings and nightly entertainment throughout the nine-day event.
Feedback indicated attendance at the hub was inconsistent, particularly on weekdays, the council report said.
Nightly entertainment was cut by the trust for 2026, reduced to selected nights, "ensuring a more vibrant atmosphere while reducing overhead costs associated with maintaining a dedicated entertainment space for the entire duration of the games", the council said.
The Edgar Centre would host opening and closing ceremonies and costly temporary structures would not be needed there.
"Additionally, this shift allows for integrated catering services, with food trucks stationed at both the Edgar Centre and key sporting venues like Logan Park and Hancock Park, providing a more cohesive experience for participants while reducing logistical costs."
Sports bodies would have a bigger role in promoting their own sports ahead of the games.
The trust would look to encourage teams to register well in advance.
"These strategic changes are designed to reduce costs, improve financial sustainability and enhance participant engagement, ensuring the long-term success of the New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin," the council report said.
A break-even budget would be based on 2024 participant numbers, "ensuring financial viability without assuming significant growth".
