Funding approved for range of Queenstown events

Funding has been approved for events in Queenstown ranging from the LUMA Southern Light Project and New Zealand Open Golf to bike and music festivals.

The events, which provide a cross-section of commercial and community interests throughout the district, received grants from Council as part of its annual Events Fund.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Relationship Manager Arts and Events Jan Maxwell advised that the funding would have a wide-ranging and positive effect on the local community.

Maxwell noted “QLDC’s events funding benefits a wide range of organisations, both big and small. 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:

Over $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 $5,000:

• Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run

• Wanaka Beer Festival                                     

• Ripe – Wine and Food Festival

Image: LUMA Southern Light Project