$250k funds boost for events
More than $250,000 worth of funding has been allocated to 11 Southland events.
The government funding, administered by Great South, was established by the Government as part of its post-Covid-19 Tourism Recovery Package, to stimulate domestic tourism by supporting existing events or helping to grow new events.
Tourism and Events general manager Bobbi Brown said most of the applications were from existing events wanting help with improved marketing, as the fund was about attracting visitors from outside the region.
‘‘It was pleasing to see some existing events thinking outside the square and looking to diversify in order to attract new attendees from different places.’’
Funding was from two separate pools, with $372,500 still available for Fiordland events from the Fiordland Regional Events Fund, and $100,000 for Southland events from the Southland Regional Events Fund.
Among the successful applicants was the Te Anau Community Events Trust, the Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, the Milford Mountain Classic, the Te Anau Tartan Festival as well as the Gore Tussock Country Music Festival.
New events to be held in Te Anau also received support including the NZ Nature
Photography Summit and the Men’s Muster.
Four applications were declined across the two funds, but applicants were encouraged to apply in the next funding round in September.
‘‘We’re just pleased to have got this funding out as soon as we could, because it’s really needed right now,’’ Brown said.
Southland District Council deputy mayor and Fiordland funding panel member Ebel Kremer said it was fantastic for the region to have this funding stimulus.
‘‘Events are going to be a key reason why people travel at the moment, and it’s particularly important for the Fiordland community.’’