9 April 2018
Event organisers are being urged to apply for funding aimed at supporting champion events in the Waipā district.
Applications open today for the 2018/19 District Promotion Fund with $100,000 available to support events that promote Waipā as an attractive place to live, work, invest in or visit. This year Waipa District Council has opened the fund slightly earlier than usual to enable even more events to apply.
Waipa mayor Jim Mylchreest said the increase in high-calibre events being hosted in Waipā such as Waka Ama Sprint Nationals and the Kihikihi International Horse Trial has a positive effect on the district.
The fund aims to boost the profile of Waipā not only to attract visitors, but to the people who live here too. We are the home of champions; not only in sport, but in our world-class facilities, successful businesses and fantastic communities who are passionate about Waipā.
This year the decision was made to open the fund slightly earlier than usual so that events that take place in July are also eligible. Our district has so much to offer and Council is keen to support as many events as possible that showcase this.
In addition to monetary support Council offers Waipa Home of Champions equipment and guidance through processes like traffic management that require some council involvement. Event organisers also have access to free event promotion through Waipā's district-wide events calendar whatsonwaipa.co.nz. The site offers promotion, venue ideas, and tips and tricks for a successful event.
The 2017/18 funding round received 51 applications and supported 35 successful applicants with funding and equipment. Successful applicants included New Zealand Canoe Sprint National Champs, Dog Agility Champs, Family Fireworks, Armistice in Cambridge and GIB Te Awamutu Junior Tour.
Application forms are available from Council offices or online at waipadc.govt.nz/districtpromotionfund
Applications must be received by 5pm, Friday 25 May 2018.