Major Events Fund opens to help drive visitor growth and economic impact in the Kāpiti Coast

Kāpiti Coast District Council has opened a new funding round for their Major Events Fund, designed to attract high-impact events that bring visitors into the district and showcase the very best of the Coast. 

Kāpiti Coast District Council Manager of Tourism Development and Marketing Amberley Kennish says the district’s visitor economy continues to grow, including a steady lift in international arrivals.

“The Major Events Fund plays a critical role in positioning Kāpiti as a destination of choice for event organisers and audiences alike,” says Miss Kennish. 

The purpose of the fund is simple.

“It supports events that draw significant numbers of visitors to the district and encourages them to experience not only the event itself but also Kāpiti Coast’s outstanding natural landscapes, vibrant towns, local hospitality, and thriving creative and food scenes.”

Events supported through the fund are expected to deliver measurable economic benefit and align strongly with the district’s distinctive identity and strategic priorities. This includes events that: 

• celebrate Kāpiti Coast’s rich culture, natural environment and identity - highlighting the opportunities and advantages of the Kāpiti Coast
• align with key visitor segments such as Explore Nature; Wine, Food and Scenery; Relaxation and Wellbeing; Family Fun; and Emerging – Knowledge Seeking
• leverage Kāpiti Coast’s natural assets, including our coastline, hinterland, trails, beaches and town centres 
• create opportunities for local businesses to increase their profile and benefit from visitor spend 
• strengthen community vibrancy and support a thriving, sustainable events industry.

The Major Events Fund prioritises events that attract out-of-district visitors, generate overnight stays, and contribute to local business activity across accommodation, hospitality, retail, and tourism operators. 

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says the Major Events Fund is a strategic investment in the district’s future. 

“Major events play a vital role in shaping the energy and identity of Kāpiti,” says Mayor Holborrow.

“They bring people together, celebrate our rich culture and natural environment, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.

“Through this fund, we’re supporting events that increase visitation and visitor spend, encourage people to stay longer, and showcase the opportunities and advantages of the Kāpiti Coast as a relaxed, high-quality coastal destination.” 

Event organisers are encouraged to consider how their proposals can integrate with the wider visitor experience, from local trails and coastal attractions to food producers, creative spaces, and accommodation providers, ensuring the benefits of each event are shared across the district. 

For the 2026/27 funding year, $180,000 is available to support major events taking place between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. Up to $50,000 of this total is allocated to support medium-scale events with strong potential to grow into tier one or tier two major events over time. 

Applications for the Major Events Fund are open from 2 March to 30 March 2026. Full eligibility criteria, guidelines, and application details are available at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/majoreventsfund.