Major Events funding announced with a second round planned

Two events are receiving support from this year’s Major Events Fund, with a second round to go ahead later in the year.

The Major Events Fund supports events that attracts visitors, stimulates domestic tourism and contributes to the long-term local economy. 

Already it supports well-known events which are firm favourites for locals and visitors alike, including the popular Kāpiti Food Fair, XTERRA Wellington Festival, Māoriland Film Festival and the Ōtaki Kite Festival.

Natasha Tod, Group Manager Strategy, Growth & Recovery at Kāpiti Coast District Council says the fund was well subscribed this year but not all applications met the criteria.

“We had a total of seven applications, but the Major Events Fund panel assessed that only two of these met the criteria and objectives of the contestable fund.

“With only $35,000 allocated from the $105,000 available in the fund the panel have recommended that a further funding round be opened later in 2021,” says Ms Tod.

Round 1 recipients

A Kāpiti performing arts organisation, Coasters Musical Theatre Inc. will receive $25,000 to deliver the Mary Poppins show at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti.

Seizing an opportunity, Coasters have secured the rights to perform the Mary Poppins stage show before it goes back to Broadway. The show provides an excellent occasion to promote Te Raukura ki Kāpiti as a world class venue and provide investment into the ongoing delivery of high-quality shows in Kāpiti. The show will use a majority of locals for the cast and crew, providing good work experience for local creatives.

The second recipient, Kāpiti Food Fair, is set to receive an additional $10,000 in addition to the $15,000 already committed to deliver their event later in 2021. The Kāpiti Food Fair attracts many locals and visitors each year and provides a high return on investment.

Find out more about the Fund here: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/majoreventsfund