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 the 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]. 

In the 2024/25 financial year the Major Events Fund injected $6.7 million into the local economy from $200,000 of investment. More than 80,000 people attended eight Council-supported events across the district, including visitors from across Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad.

Funds available 

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

The $170,000 was 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. 

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
• Laura Petersen, Major Events Development Advisor, WellingtonNZ
• Bevan Tydda, New Zealand Events Association Board Member
• Councillor Liz Koh, Kāpiti Coast District Councillor

Recipients 2025/26

Ōtaki Kite Festival 

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

Māoriland Film Festival 

The largest international Indigenous Film Festival in Aotearoa.

Kāpiti Food Fair 

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

Kāpiti Women's Triathlon

Women's triathlon and duathlon.

Kāpiti Half – Oma te Takutai 

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

Kapiti Big Fish 

A fishing and diving competition.

Previous recipients