Events Support Scheme

The purpose of events funding is to enhance the social, cultural, and economic development of our region through the provision of high-quality events. Events can deliver immediate economic results, increased awareness of our region and support for our communities to prosper.

Our aim is to fund and support events that showcase the diversity and richness of our community, promote community engagement and participation, stimulate local business activity, and generate tourism and economic benefits for the region. We seek to support events that are accessible, inclusive, and environmentally and self-sustainable, and that align with our guiding principles and values as a council.
By investing in events, we aim to foster a sense of community pride and belonging, celebrate our local identity, and contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of our region.

The fund is awarded by the Finance/Performance Committee.

Each event will be assessed under the below category that it naturally aligns with based on its characteristics or objectives.

• Large Events
• Regional Events
• Local Community Events

Event Support Scheme Guidebook

Please read our guidebook for more information

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Large Events

The event must align with four of the six objectives, with increased economic outcomes and growing the visitor economy being at least one of these.

At a minimum, a Large Event must:

• Attract at least 3,000 attendees
• Have the potential for increased social and economic benefits
• Have an existing out-of-town audience who would be attracted to attend
• Have the potential to attract positive regional and/or national media coverage
• Align with RDC’s guiding event principles

Regional Events

The event is one that aligns with three of the six objectives but doesn’t necessarily have to completely take place in the Rangitīkei.

At a minimum, a Regional Event must:

• Be regionally significant
• Have some physical presence in the Rangitīkei and provide opportunities for the community and/or local businesses and organisations
• Have the potential for increased social and economic benefits
• Have the potential to attract local and/or regional media coverage

Local Community Events

The event is largely community led with a targeted appeal or focus on a special interest area, sector of the community or geographical space. This also covers the delivery of not for profit events and fundraising events. It has an expectation of being accessible and inclusive.

A Local Community Event must align with at least two of the following strategy objectives:

• Encourage active community participation and engagement, therefore getting locals and visitors to try new things and discover new places
• Supporting the growth of local talent, as well as local businesses and organisations to directly or indirectly benefit from events
• A strong emphasis on kaitiakitanga – guardianship of the land. Events that protect, enhance and celebrate our regions natural environment

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Funding Rounds

We will hold two funding round applications each year.

• The first round will be open for February/March and the second round open for August/September.
• Applicants will be notified on decisions within one month of a round closing
• If the timing of your event does not align with these timings, please contact us.

Events Support Scheme Applicant Guidelines

You can access the application form here:

Events Support Scheme Application

NOTE: The above link will be available once a funding round start.

This is now an online application and reporting process via Smartygrants.

If you need assistance in completing your form, please contact us by:

• visiting the Council’s offices at 46 High Street, Marton or 102 Hautapu Street, Taihape
• phoning the Council on 0800 422 522 or emailing info@rangitikei.govt.nz

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Results for 2024/25

Round 1

• Turakina Caledonian Society – 160th Turakina Highland Games
• Hunterville Huntaway Festival – The Shemozzle
• Bulls & District Community Trust – Bulls Annual Christmas Parade
• Taihape Area Dressage Group – Taihape Christmas Championships
• 3 Stand 8-Hour Strong Wool Shearing Record Attempt
• Marton Country Music Festival 2025
• Bulls & District Community Trust – Bulls 147th Annual Rose Show & Fest-A-Bull
• Saint Josephs School PTA – Up the Garden Path

Results for 2023/24

Round 2

• Marton Arts & Crafts Centre – Exhibition
• Taihape Community Development Trust – Spring Fling Big Day at the Park
• Rangitikei Farmstay – The Mudder