The latest Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) annual events funding round has opened for people looking to organise events that benefit the community.

The 2024-2025 Events Fund is open to both commercial and community-level events. 

Last year’s funding recipients included Warbirds over Wānaka, Wānaka’s Wao Summit, and a range of smaller-scale events.   

QLDC arts and events relationships manager Jan Maxwell said the council is committed to supporting a balanced portfolio of events across the district and welcomes applications for both new and returning events.

“This year our aim is to support events that have clear goals in place to improve environmental sustainability, including opportunities for waste minimisation and reducing carbon emissions,” she said.

Alongside environmental sustainability, other key factors in assessing applications include economic impact, event diversity, positive community benefits, and financial sustainability.  

The funding round coincides with the launch of a new application platform which will make it easier for event organisers to apply online. 

The platform will also be used for the upcoming Community Fund 2024-2027 and Waste Minimisation Community Fund which will both open for applications later this month.

Find information on the 2024-2025 Events Fund funding criteria, key dates and how to apply here.

Applications for the fund close Tuesday April 30. 

They will be reviewed in May and successful applicants will be notified in July.

PHOTO: Molly Hope