Photo Credit: Surfing, Jackson Bright

27 August 2024

Press Release

Destination Hauraki Coromandel allocates final round of Regional Event Fund

The Hauraki Coromandel Regional Event Fund (REF) investment panel (comprising of Thames Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council, and Destination Hauraki Coromandel) has approved a total of $70,000 in funding for five successful events in the 2024/2025 round. This marks the final allocation from the $400,000 fund established under the Government's Tourism Recovery Package in 2020.

Festivals and events play a crucial role in attracting visitors to the region, providing a visible boost to the local economy, while also fostering community and iwi participation. With this round of funding, the focus remains on building a strong lineup of annual events that not only draw out-of-town visitors but also uplift the spirit of local communities.

Destination Hauraki Coromandel’s marketing manager, Megan Nunn, highlighted the dual impact of these events, stating, "Our aim is to build a suite of annual events that will not only attract out-of-town visitors with all the flow-on economic benefits, but also boost our community spirit. We know events are good for that. While we continue to recover from COVID, regional storm damage and now facing a less than ideal financial climate it’s hoped the inclusion of these events in the region will bring some welcome positivity".

Since its inception, the REF has supported 17 events across Hauraki Coromandel, some of which have been funded for consecutive years, while others were carried over due to COVID restrictions. The REF serves as a seed fund to help new and existing events grow into sustainable long-term platforms. Its primary purpose is to stimulate out-of-region visitation, helping to replace the loss of international visitors during the pandemic.

Destination Hauraki Coromandel remains committed to strengthening the region’s event calendar, showcasing the unique essence of The Coromandel, and supporting the economic well-being of local tourism, retail, and hospitality businesses.

This year's funding round received nine applications, of which we are pleased to be able to support the following five.

• Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series, Hauraki - $10,000
• Aotearoa Men's Wellbeing Summit, Whangamatā - $30,000
• Whangamatā Festival of Surf, Whangamatā - $5,000
• Ridge Runner, Colville - $15,000
• Bayleys Paradise Coast Golf Classic, Whangamatā - $10,000

Megan Nunn, Marketing Manager
Destination Hauraki Coromandel
megan@thecoromandel.com
021 227 4351