Waitaki Regional Events Fund Second Funding Round Opens Early October

Published on 23 September 2022

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The Waitaki Events Advisory Board is pleased to announce the opening of the second round of its Regional Events Fund on 3 October.

The Waitaki Regional Events Fund was established as part of the Government’s $50 million Regional Events Fund, to stimulate domestic tourism and travel between regions through holding events.  

The distribution of funding is being administered by nine International Marketing Alliances (IMAs) which represent clusters of Regional Tourism Organisations. Tourism Waitaki is part of the Pure Southern Land IMA, which also includes Enterprise Dunedin, Clutha Development, and Southland Regional Development Agency. Of the $1.5 million allocated to the Pure Southern Lands IMA, Tourism Waitaki secured $183,000.

The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) was the first successful funding recipient in Waitaki. SIDE, one of the biggest dairy events in New Zealand, was held in Oamaru in June and attracted more than 420 farmers, rural professionals and sponsors to the district over three days.

The second funding round opens on October 3, and Tourism Waitaki’s Acting General Manager Philippa Agnew is encouraging organisers of existing and new events in Waitaki to apply.

“After a couple of challenging years, it’s great to see Waitaki’s events calendar filling up again,’’ Dr Agnew says.

“The timing of the second round of funding is perfect to help revitalise and grow some of our regular events, and ensure their sustainability, and to encourage new events to the district.”

"Events play such an important role in showcasing Waitaki as a destination for visitors and in developing a strong identity and sense of place. Events help connect our communities and drive visitation from outside the district, which brings economic benefits for our businesses.’’

The Waitaki Regional Events Fund is open to organisers of existing and new events in the district. One of the key aspects the Waitaki Events Advisory Board will be looking for in applications is that events have marketing plans that focus on attracting visitors from outside of the region and encouraging a longer stay in Waitaki.

A workshop for potential applicants was held last month to help prepare organisers to submit a successful application. Speakers included event promotor Arthur Klap, Dunedin event marketer Amanda Dyer, Oamaru accountant and sports advocate Adair Craik and Tourism Industry Aotearoa sustainability manager Megan Williams.

“The workshop was well attended, with a range of groups participating, and we hope it has helped strengthen our district’s event management expertise and strategy development,’’ Dr Agnew says.

Applications for the second round of the Waitaki Regional Events Fund open on October 3 and close on October 31. Funding will be distributed for events in the 2023 year.

Application forms will be available online at waitakinz.com/the-waitaki-regional-events/ or by emailing events@waitakinz.com.

Applications will be considered by the Waitaki Events Advisory Board, which is made up of Chairwoman Jan Kennedy, Tourism Waitaki Acting General Manager Philippa Agnew, Events Advisor Tammy Jackman, Eleanor Toft, Malcolm McLauchlan and Megan Crawford.

For more information, please contact:
Tourism Waitaki Acting General Manager
Dr Philippa Agnew
gm@waitakinz.com
021843727