Champion events offered financial boost
9 June 2017
Waipa's growing reputation for events is to be boosted by the distribution of a $100,000 fund.
Waipa District Council will open applications for 2017/18 events from its District Promotion Fund next week (Tuesday 13 June).
The fund supports events and activities that promote Waipa as an attractive place to live, work, invest in or visit.
Mayor Jim Mylchreest said Council is keen to see champion events being hosted in Waipa and is interested in supporting events that provide demonstrable benefits to the district.
We look to encourage events that offer locals something to do and see, that use our fantastic facilities, that showcase our district at a regional, national or international level and attract economic activity, he said.
Recent research has shown that events can bring huge economic and other benefits to the district. So it's a no-brainer for Council to align with key events that really show we are the home of champions.
Last year the fund received 47 applications. Events supported included the Waka Ama Nationals, Kihikihi International Horse Trials and international polo, theatre performance festivals, rowing and more. The fund also supported Waipa's successful bid for the rowing and track cycling component of the World Masters Games held in April.
Waipa really is the ideal place to host successful events. We're central, we have world class facilities, enthusiastic communities and we provide support through the District Promotion Fund and through our events website, whatsonwaipa.co.nz, Mylchreest said.
We also have staff on hand to help with advice and to guide on issues like traffic management that might require some council involvement.
Applications to the fund close at the end of July and will be assessed by the District Promotion Committee, chaired by Mylchreest and including councillors Claire St Pierre, Susan O'Regan, Sue Milner and Liz Stolwyk, along with community representatives Mervyn Gyde and Kevin Burgess.
Application forms are available from council offices or at waipadc.govt.nz/districtpromotionfund. For more information on the fund, contact Council on 0800 924 723 or email events@waipadc.govt.nz
For more information, contact: Natalie Palmer 027 807 3174