Major events fund

The Kāpiti Coast Major Events Fund is a strategic investment in the Coast’s visitor economy, community vibrancy and reputation. 

Established to support major events that deliver long-term economic benefit, the fund helps attract high-quality events that increase visitation, generate visitor spend, and strengthen Kāpiti’s profile as a distinctive coastal destination. 

Timeline

Funds available 

Criteria

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for funding the event must:

• be run by a recognised legal entity such as a business or charity (the fund is not open to individuals)
• take place in the Kāpiti Coast district, between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027
• show how costs will be covered after allowing for Council funding
• show any required consents and landowner approvals, and the status of any required consents/approvals
• for Major Event funding:
  • be classed as a Tier 1 or 2 event (see major events fund policy)
  • have at least 30 percent of total costs confirmed from other sources (major events fund will not 100 percent fund an event)
• if applying for repeat funding, show how the previous event met objectives
• for Strategic Growth funding, be classed as a Tier 3 event (see major events fund policy).

The event manager must:

• demonstrate sufficient prior experience running a major event
• have fulfilled the terms of their contract and reported back to Council sufficiently on any previous funding received through the Major Events Fund and any other Council fund.

Assessment

The Major Events Fund Panel will assess each application against the fund assessment criteria; applicants should refer to these criteria and the aspirations of tangata whenua and community [PDF 124 KB] when completing their application.

Use of funds

Preference will be shown for applications that request funding for:

• destination marketing costs
• local marketing costs
• visitor experience survey costs
• translation and design work in relation to using te reo Māori in event names and marketing collateral.

Other funding considered includes:

• operational costs including but not exclusive to venue, stage, lighting and performance costs
• health and safety costs 
• waste minimisation and management costs
• personnel costs to undertake event management, marketing, and sponsorship/funding.

How to apply

Apply online, or download, complete and submit the printable Major Events Fund application form.

Completing your application

Ensure that your application includes (where applicable):

• completed application form, including:
  • information on the organisation seeking funding, its primary business purpose, experience and areas of expertise
  • information on the primary event manager and their prior major event experience
  • description of the event, including objectives and expected economic outcomes
  • details on how the organisation will manage environmental impacts from the event and follow waste minimisation processes.
• project plans and timelines
• risk assessment for any proposed event
• a detailed budget, including a breakdown of whether costs are confirmed or estimates, and competitive quotes for the amounts requested
• detailed marketing and communications plans
• strategic growth fund applicants must submit a three year plan showing how the event will grow to reach tier one or two status
• previous financial accounts for the organisation.

Submitting applications

Applications for 2026/27 funding will open on 2 March 2026.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 

For more information and printable application submissions,

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.

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