Queenstown Lakes District Council funds a mix of sports, cultural, wellbeing, and community events

Queenstown Lakes District Council has awarded $527,000 as part of the contestable Events Fund to attract and support a range of sports, arts and culture, wellbeing, and community events.

QLDC Relationship Manager Arts and Events Jan Maxwell advised “It’s great to support a range of organisations, both big and small. The flow-on effects of these events are great for local communities as well as bringing people to the district, raising our profile, and supporting the economy. These events really contribute to the vibrancy of Queenstown Lakes.

“It’s been a challenging couple of years for event organisers, and we’re proud to provide our support to organisations that help make the Queenstown Lakes District an exciting place to be for both locals and visitors alike.”

Mayor Jim Boult noted it was wonderful to welcome back so many high quality events adding “from accommodation providers to sound engineers and hospitality, events stimulate all corners of our economy and provide the opportunity to showcase just how special this area is as a destination. Kudos should be given to the event organisers who have hung in during the tough times and re-emerged to provide these fantastic experiences.”

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 2022-2023 as a direct result of the events proposed to be funded is $101,900,000.

The following funding was approved:

Over $30,000:

• LUMA Southern Light Project                                                  

• New Zealand Open Golf                                                

• Crankworx       

• Festival of Colour

• Winter Games                                                              

Under $30,000:

• Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival

• Challenge Wānaka

• Lake Hayes A&P Show

• Michael Hill International Violin

• Motatapu

• NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival

• Ripe – Wānaka Wine and Food

• Welcome to Winter

• Wheels in Wānaka

• Winter Pride

• Queenstown Marathon

• Cyclorama

• Queenstown Bike Festival

• Synthony

• Centre Stage Origins

Image: Crankworx Queenstown Credit: Destination Queenstown