Events ranging from LUMA to a bike festival were awarded funding at a Queenstown Lakes District Council Full Council meeting on Wednesday, June 30.
The events, which provided a cross-section of commercial and community interests throughout the district, received grants from Council as part of its annual Events Fund.
QLDC relationship manager arts and events Jan Maxwell says the funding would have a wide-ranging and positive effect on the local community.
“QLDC’s events funding benefits a wide range of organisations, both big and small,” says Jan.
“It supports local events, brings people to the district and is great for the economy. We understand it has been a challenging period for the district, and we’re proud to lend our support to organisations that help make the Queenstown Lakes District such a vibrant place.”
QLDC’s Events Funding Panel, which consisted of 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 2021/22 as a direct result of the events proposed to be funded is $86,450,000.
The following funding was approved:
More than $30,000:
- LUMA Southern Light Project 2022
- New Zealand Open Golf 2022
- Crankworx
- Warbirds Over Wanaka
- Winter Games
- Queenstown Marathon
Under $30,000:
- Aspiring Conversations
- Queenstown Music Festival
- Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival
- NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival
- Lake Hayes A&P Show
- Winter Pride
- Cyclorama
- Queenstown Bike Festival
- Spirited Women
- Synthony
- Motatapu
- Challenge Wanaka
- Wanaka A & P Show
The following events were awarded up to $5000:
- Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run
- Wanaka Beer Festival
- Ripe – Wine and Food Festival
