Funding boost for Waipā events
Waipā District Council has given funding support to three events aimed at boosting economic activity and supporting the district’s growing events reputation.
Council awarded $10,000 for an Olympic farewell in Cambridge, $10,000 for a hot air balloon event and $8,744 for an international netball game.
Waipā District Council mayor Jim Mylchreest said the three local events would benefit the district.
“We are delighted to support events that attract visitors to Waipā, encourage the use of our key sites and facilities and give residents the chance to enjoy activities close to home.”
The funding was made possible due to $50,000 of unused funding in the District Promotion Fund, which supports events that promote and benefit the wellbeing of the Waipā district and its people.
The remaining funds will be reserved for future applicants.
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and New South Wales Swifts are playing a pre-season game in Februrary next year at the Te Awamutu Events Centre in the lead-up to the 2020 ANZ Premiership.
Council’s funding will cover the tour’s venue hire, transport and travel costs for the two teams. It will also likely include a school visit and open training session.
Also receiving funding support is the popular Balloons visit Waipā event, held in March, when hot air balloons from Balloons Over Waikato head to Albert Park, Te Awamutu for the community to enjoy.
Council funding will cover transport, road closure, labour costs and entertainment at the event.
In April, Council is planning to host an event to farewell local athletes heading to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The event is likely to coincide with the Cambridge Cycling Festival.
The funds will go toward creating a hub in Victoria Square for the public to meet the elite athletes and wish them luck on their upcoming Olympic journey.
It will also cover bus transport to Cambridge from Te Awamutu for members of the public.
In the last financial year, $125,994 has been allocated to 26 events in Waipā through the District Promotion Fund.
Photo caption: The popular Balloons visit Waipā event has received support from the District Promotion Fund. The event will be held in Albert Park, Te Awamutu in March 2020.