A fund to help organisers of both established and emerging events in the district is now open to applications.

Applicants have until the end of April to apply for sponsorship from the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) annual Events Fund.

The fund aims to support a balanced mix of new and returning sporting, community and cultural events both for residents to enjoy and also to promote the district to visitors, in turn helping to boost the district’s economy. 

QLDC relationship manager arts and events Jan Maxwell said this year’s grants will go some way to helping the district’s events industry recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“Obviously the past couple of years have been extremely tough with many events having to cancel or adapt to meet the necessary restrictions,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to supporting organisers keen to wow audiences and participants as these restrictions ease for Kiwis and our international borders reopen.”

Last year a range of Wānaka events received grants from the events fund, although many were forced to cancel due to Covid-19

2021 recipients included Aspiring Conversations, Ripe Food and Wine Festival, Challenge Wānaka and the NZ Mountain Book & Film Festival, among others.

Jan said there continued to be a focus on sustainability in the application criteria.

“We’re particularly keen to see how organisers are addressing issues of waste minimisation and reducing the overall environmental impact of their events.”

Applications close at 5pm on Friday April 29 and they will then be reviewed by a panel of councillors before this year’s recipients are announced in July.

Full information on the funding criteria, key dates and how to apply is available on the council website here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App