Thursday, 22 April 2021, 11:06 am
The government’s regional events funding has assisted
the organisers of 11 events across Fiordland and Southland
with a total of $287,500 allocated in the inaugural funding
round.
The fund, 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 grow new
events.
Great South GM Tourism and Events 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 of the region.
“It
was pleasing to see some existing events thinking outside
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 and the Te Anau Tartan Festival. The Gore Tussock Country Music Festival received funding for the event. 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.