Major events fund

The Kāpiti Coast Major Events Fund was established to support major events in Kāpiti that will help deliver a thriving, vibrant and diverse economy. Each year the fund supports a small number of iconic events that help deliver long-term economic benefits for Kāpiti.

The contestable Major Events Fund supports high-quality major events that bring economic benefits to Kāpiti Coast by attracting visitors and supporting the long-term local economy. To find out more see our major events fund policy and terms and conditions [PDF 137 KB]. 

Timeline

• Applications open | Wednesday 5 March 2025
• Applications close | 11.59pm, Wednesday 2 April 2025
• Major Events Panel meeting | Wednesday 7 May 2025 – Eligible applicants invited to discuss their event with the Major Events panel.
• Final funding decision made by Council | Friday 13 June 2025
• 2026/27 Applications open | Monday 2 March 2026

Funds available 

The Major Events Fund has $200,000 annually. For 2025/26 the contestable fund has $170,000 available, due to support being allocated over a number of years in previous allocation years. See Recipients for details.

The $170,000 is available in two categories:

• Strategic Growth Fund – up to $50,000 is available in a strategic growth fund for events expecting fewer than 2,000 attendees (see policy for more information about tier three events and the strategic growth fund), that demonstrate potential to become tier one or two events.
• Major Events Fund – the balance of the fund is available to events expecting over 2,000 attendees (see policy for more information about tiers one and two); the amount will depend on the allocation made to strategic growth fund events. 

Note:

• Eligible applicants will be invited to discuss their event with the Major Events Panel.
• The final decision on allocation of funding is made by Council.
• Applicants are encouraged to read the fund terms and conditions [PDF 137 KB] before applying. 

Criteria

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for funding the event must:

• be run by a recognised legal entity such as a business or charity (the fund is not open to individuals)
• take place in the Kāpiti Coast District, between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026
• show how costs will be covered after allowing for Council funding
• show any required consents and landowner approvals, and the status of any required consents/approvals
• for Major Event funding:
  • be classed as a Tier 1 or 2 event (see major events fund policy)
  • have at least 30 percent of total costs confirmed from other sources (major events fund will not 100 percent fund an event)
• if applying for repeat funding, show how the previous event met objectives
• for Strategic Growth funding, be classed as a Tier 3 event (see major events fund policy).

The event manager must:

• demonstrate sufficient prior experience running a major event
• have fulfilled the terms of their contract and reported back to Council sufficiently on any previous funding received through the Major Events Fund and any other Council fund.

Assessment

The Major Events Fund Panel will assess each application against the fund assessment criteria; applicants should refer to these criteria and the aspirations of tangata whenua and community [PDF 124 KB] when completing their application.

Use of funds

Preference will be shown for applications that request funding for:

• destination marketing costs
• local marketing costs
• visitor experience survey costs
• translation and design work in relation to using te reo Māori in event names and marketing collateral.

Other funding considered includes:

• operational costs including but not exclusive to venue, stage, lighting and performance costs
• health and safety costs 
• waste minimisation and management costs
• personnel costs to undertake event management, marketing, and sponsorship/funding.

How to apply

Apply online, or complete and submit the printable Major Events Fund application form.

Completing your application

Ensure that your application includes (where applicable):

• completed application form, including:
  • information on the organisation seeking funding, its primary business purpose, experience and areas of expertise
  • information on the primary event manager and their prior major event experience
  • description of the event, including objectives and expected economic outcomes
  • details on how the organisation will manage environmental impacts from the event and follow waste minimisation processes.
• project plans and timelines
• risk assessment for any proposed event
• a detailed budget, including a breakdown of whether costs are confirmed or estimates, and competitive quotes for the amounts requested
• detailed marketing and communications plans
• strategic growth fund applicants must submit a three year plan showing how the event will grow to reach tier one or two status
• previous financial accounts for the organisation.

Submitting applications

Applications for 2025/26 funding will open on Wednesday 5 March 2026. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Email to: [email protected]

Post to:
Major Events Fund
Kāpiti Coast District Council
Private Bag 60601
Paraparaumu 5254

Deliver to:
Major Events Fund
Kāpiti Coast District Council
175 Rimu Road
Paraparaumu

For more information, email [email protected].

Measuring success and reporting

All successful applicants will be required to conduct a post-event visitor satisfaction survey and submit a post-event report to Council within two months of the event being held. The report must be satisfactory to the Council in all respects and include all information requested by Council.

Applicants who do not submit a satisfactory report to Council will be ineligible for future funding.

Event reports must include:

• attendance figures including breakdown of visitor origin and visitor overnight stay in the district
• information on the level of visitor spending within the Kāpiti Coast district
• robust analysis of event outcomes, including estimated economic impacts
• full financial report, including receipts and invoices showing how the funds were spent
• marketing and media outcomes.

Successful applicants will be given a post-event report form to submit with their report.

Major events fund panellists

Applications are assessed by the Major Events Fund panel, made up of five members:

• Mark Ward, Economic Development Manager, Kāpiti Coast District Council
• Chris Barber, Kāpiti Coast Tourism Advisory Board
• Laura Petersen, Major Events Development Advisor, WellingtonNZ
• Bevan Tydda, New Zealand Events Association Board Member
• Councillor Liz Koh, Kāpiti Coast District Councillor

Recipients 2024/25

Ten recipients have received funding for the 2024/25 financial year.

Kapiti Classic – Major Events Fund funding for 2025

A boutique music concert featuring a legacy internationally renown act. 

Kapiti Big Fish – Strategic Growth Event funding for 2025

A fishing and diving competition.

Matariki on Moana – Major Events Fund funding for 2024

Matariki festival for the whanau in Ōtaki featuring live music from Troy Kingi and Anika Moa, kapa haka, storytelling and more.

Kāpiti Women's Triathlon – Strategic Growth Event funding for 2023–25

Women's triathlon and duathlon.

XTERRA Wellington – Major Events Fund funding for 2023–25

Coastal off-road triathlon, duathlon and trail running experience. 

Kāpiti Food Fair – Major Events Fund funding for 2023–25

A fun, indulgent and tasty day out for all foodies that fills your life with good friends, good times and good food. 

Kāpiti Half – Oma te Takutai – Major Events Fund funding for 2023–25

Running festival including a 21-kilometre half marathon, 10 kilometres, and 5 kilometres.

Ōtaki Kite Festival – Major Events Fund funding for 2023–25

A fabulous free weekend of kites, family fun, market stalls and entertainment at Ōtaki Beach.

Māoriland Film Festival – Major Events Fund funding for 2023–25

The largest international Indigenous Film Festival in Aotearoa.

Matariki Ramaroa – Major Events Fund funding for 2023

Kāpiti Lights Arts Festival is a celebration of te Tau Hou Māori – the Māori New year for all of Kāpiti. 

Calendar of Major Events