The Government is investing $880,000 from the Major Events Fund to support the World of WearableArt (WOW) Exhibition, a new visitor experience that will premiere in Wellington in 2027.

The exhibition will showcase WOW's most iconic and award-winning garments in a high tech, immersive environment celebrating four decades of New Zealand creativity, innovation and storytelling.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the investment will help share New Zealand's creative excellence with the world while delivering benefits for tourism and the economy.

"As WOW celebrates 40 years of showcasing extraordinary creativity, I'm delighted the Government is supporting an event that honours New Zealand talent while helping attract visitors and investment to our shores," Louise Upston says.

The exhibition is expected to attract more than 1,500 international visitors and has been strategically timed alongside the annual WOW Show, the Global Wearable Art Summit and the Australian school holiday period to maximise tourism.

The 2026 World of WearableArt event received a $400,000 investment from the Events Boost Fund to support international marketing campaigns and efforts to attract visitors and stimulate short-term economic activity.

Following its Wellington season, the exhibition is planned to tour internationally, with details to be announced next year.

"WOW is a globally recognised New Zealand success story. This investment supports a uniquely New Zealand event with global reach and helps position us as a world-leading creative nation. I can’t wait to see the exhibition come to life," Louise Upston says.