The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) awarded funding to a range of events - from music events to festivals and sporting activities - at its council meeting last week (Thursday June 30).

In total $527,000 was awarded as part of the contestable events fund which goes toward attracting and supporting the success of events in the district.

Wānaka-based events to receive funding include the Festival of Colour, Challenge Wānaka, Ripe Wānaka Food and Wine Festival, NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival, Motatapu mountain biking event and Wheels at Wānaka.

QLDC arts and events relationship manager Jan Maxwell said the funding would enable a mixture of sports, arts and culture, wellbeing, and community events to happen.

“It’s great to support a range of organisations, both big and small,” Jan said.

“The flow-on effects of these events are great for local communities as well as bringing people to the district, raising our profile, and supporting the economy. These events really contribute to the vibrancy of Queenstown Lakes.

“It’s been a challenging couple of years for event organisers, and we’re proud to provide our support to organisations that help make the Queenstown Lakes District an exciting place to be for both locals and visitors alike.”

Mayor Jim Boult said it was wonderful to welcome back so many high quality events. 

“From accommodation providers to sound engineers and hospitality, events stimulate all corners of our economy and provide the opportunity to showcase just how special this area is as a destination. Kudos should be given to the event organisers who have hung in during the tough times and re-emerged to provide these fantastic experiences.” 

QLDC’s events funding panel, councillors Craig Ferguson, Penny Clark, Quentin Smith and Heath Copland, considered the applications in late May.

The total estimated economic benefit to the district in 2022-2023 as a direct result of the events proposed to be funded is $101,900,000.

For projects over $30,000, funding was approved for Wānaka’s Festival of Colour and the Winter Games, along with the LUMA Southern Light Project, the New Zealand Golf Open, and mountain biking series Crankworx.

For projects under $30,000, funding was approved for Wānaka’s Challenge Wānaka, Ripe Wānaka Wine and Food Festival, NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival, Motatapu mountain biking event, and Wheels at Wānaka. Other recipients were the Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival, Lake Hayes A&P Show, Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Welcome to Winter, Winter Pride, the Queenstown Marathon, Cyclorama, the Queenstown Bike Festival, and Centre Stage Origins.

PHOTO: Supplied