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.

Timeline | How to apply | More information | Panelists | Previous Recipients

Timeline

Date
1 April 2021	2021/22 Major Events Fund applications open
5pm, 29 April 2021	2021/22 Major Events Fund applications close
May 2021	Eligible applicants invited to discuss their event with the Major Events panel
17 June 2021	Funding decision made by Council

How to apply

Funds available: The contestable fund has $200,000 available annually. Four events have previously secured multi-year funding which means that $95,000 of the 2021/22 fund has already been allocated (subject to acceptable event reporting).For the 2021/22 round there is $105,000 available, $25,000 of which may be allocated to events that need feasibility funding and event scoping.

To fund: Events will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Classified as a Tier 1 or 2 event (see page 5 of the Major Events Fund Policy for classifications) PDF [697 KB])
• Showcases the Kāpiti Coast and builds the profile of the Kāpiti Coast and its communities
• Highlights the Kāpiti Coast as a destination for visitors, business and residents
• Has long-term economic benefits for the district
• Is able to generate at least a 5:1 return on Council’s investment
• Meets tāngata whenua and community aspirations.

Fund open to: To be eligible to receive funding the event must:

• Take place in the Kāpiti Coast District
• Not have already occurred in the applicable financial year
• Have confirmed at least 30 percent of total costs (not applicable to feasibility applications)
• Show how residual costs, after allowing for Council funding, will be covered (not applicable to feasibility applications)
• Provide confirmation of any consenting and land owner approval requirements and the status of any required consents / approvals.

Grant can be used for:

• Direct event costs including venue, stage, lighting, sound and performance costs
• Health and safety costs including security and traffic management costs
• Waste management and minimisation costs
• Event management and personnel costs to secure additional sponsorship
• Event signage, advertising and promotional costs.
• Events to take place: July 2021 to June 2022

Forms and guides

• Major Events Fund Application form PDF [703 KB]
• Major Events Fund Application form DOC [82 KB] 

Submitting applications

Please email completed forms to: [email protected]. Electronic applications are preferred, but hard copies will also be accepted.

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

Or deliver to: Major Events Fund, Kāpiti Coast District Council, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu.

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More information

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. 

• 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.

It is important to note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.  

For more information, email [email protected].

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Major events fund panelists

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

• Councillor Rob McCann, Kāpiti Coast District Council
• Leanna Hill, Acting Economic Development Manager, Kāpiti Coast District Council
• Kahu Ropata, Iwi Partnerships Manager, Kāpiti Coast District Council
• Tiana Rakete, Major Events Attraction Manager, WellingtonNZ
• Bevan Tydda, New Zealand Events Association Board Member.

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Recipients for 2020/21 and 2021/22

In 2020, in response to the challenges of COVID-19 on major events, Council allocated funding ahead of time by funding events in both 2020/21 and 2021/22. This helped event organisers secure sponsorship and plan ahead with more certainty. 

Events receiving funding for 2020/21 and 2021/22 are as follows.

Event	2020/21 Event date	2021/22 Event date
XTERRA Wellington	13 February 2021, Whareroa Farm, near Paekākāriki	February 2022
Māoriland Film Festival	March 2021, Ōtaki	March 2022
Kāpiti Food Fair	5 December 2020, Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu	November/December 2021
Ōtaki Kite Festival	6–7 February 2021, Ōtaki Beach.	February 2022
Matariki Light Arts Festival	July 2021

The fund includes grants for events that are at the conceptual stage and require feasibility studies to get them off the ground, with two new concepts receiving support in 2020/21.

Event scoping

Event	Event date
Matariki Light Arts Festival	July 2021
Kāpiti Design & Arts Festival	TBC

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