Major events fund backing visitor and economic growth in Kāpiti Coast

Six major events that will bring visitors to the Kāpiti Coast, support local businesses, and strengthen the district’s profile as a visitor destination have secured support through Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Major Events Fund for 2026/27. 

The fund supports major events that deliver economic impact, align with strategic priorities, and showcase the unique character of Kāpiti.  

The Kāpiti Food Fair, Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon, Māoriland Film Festival, Ōtaki Kite Festival, and NZ PGA Championship will all receive Major Events funding. The Mostly Music Festival of X will receive strategic growth funding as a new major event that aligns with the Kāpiti Coast Destination Management Plan and will deliver on the objectives of the fund. 

Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow says the fund is an investment in the district’s visitor economy and in building Kāpiti Coast’s reputation as a vibrant, year-round destination. 

“Each of the six successful major events offer a diverse experience that will encourage visitors to stay longer, spend locally, and discover more of what Kāpiti has to offer,” says Mayor Holborow. 

“Major events play an important role in driving visitation and supporting accommodation, hospitality, retail, transport and other local businesses, which creates momentum across the wider visitor economy. 

“This year’s funding supports a mix of established favourites and new opportunities, ensuring the events calendar continues to evolve while retaining events that locals and visitors know and love.”  

Provisional results from four out of six events supported through last year's Major Events Fund report an estimated 16,430 attendees, generating significant economic activity and injecting over $4m to our local economy. 

Neil Mackay, Economic Development Kotahitanga Board Chair, says major events have a clear strategic and business impact for Kāpiti, helping to lift the district’s profile, attract new audiences, and create opportunities for local businesses to benefit from increased visitation.  

This year, there was $180,000 in funding available, including a nominated amount to support new and emerging events that provide a strategic growth opportunity.