Sporting events in the district have received the biggest financial boost from Waipā District Council.
Council’s District Promotions Sub-Committee today allocated $165,200 to support events in the coming financial year, with approximately $86,000 going towards sporting events. The funding soaks up the $150,000 from the new financial year’s budget plus some of the unspent funds from last year, following some event cancellations.
Big winners include $15,000 for the Waka Ama National Sprint Championships to be held in January 2024, $10,000 for the Long Course Weekend in April 2024 and $6,000 for Dressage by the Lake to be held in November this year at Takapoto Estate.
Outside of sports the Black Friday Blowout, Te Awamutu’s late night shopping extravaganza and street fair, will receive $12,000, and the Rangiaowhia 160-year Commemoration will receive $10,000.
Other new events winning Council support include Race to Tieke - Brian Perry Classic ($5,000), Orchids and More ($4,000) and the New Zealand Fitness Festival ($5,000).
All up the District Promotions Fund received 38 applications, requesting more than $319,000. Three events were also moved from the Community Event Fund to the District Promotions Fund. Priority was given to events using Waipā suppliers and those which encouraged attendees and visitors to spend locally.
Mayor Susan O’Regan said it was thrilling to see Waipā’s event calendar filling up with strong and established events, as well as new events making Waipā their venue of choice.
“Our world-class facilities, energised population of volunteers and communities keen to get out and about with friends and whānau really emphasises Waipā as the home for champion events.
“We know events offer a great return for our communities, from the economic boost our local services and businesses receive – from hospitality to event logistics and accommodation, through to the vibrancy and excitement events create for those attending,” O’Regan said.
Today’s meeting also allocated $26,000 to 15 grass-roots events from the separate Community Event Fund.
Community events aim to build community pride, connect people and help maximise use of our town’s facilities and public places. New community events to be staged in Waipā over the coming year include a Te Awa River Ride Matariki Night Light Ride and Cambridge Diwali Festival.
“It’s so exciting to see some non-sporting events successful in funding too. Having a diverse calendar of events for our community, but also visitors to the district, only strengthens our position as a great place to host events and attend them.” O’Regan said.
The District Promotions Sub-Committee includes elected members Marcus Gower (Chair), Deputy Mayor Liz Stolwyk, Clare St Pierre, Roger Gordon along with community representatives Kevin Burgess and Merv Gyde.
