Events to benefit from national support

Regional Events Fund (REF)

The Hauraki Coromandel Regional Event Fund (REF) investment panel (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.

Since its inception, the REF will have supported 22 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

Regional Event Promotion Fund (REPF)

Five events have been successful in receiving funding support, via Destination Hauraki Coromandel, from the recently announced regional event promotion fund (REPF). The new fund, available for two years,  is designed to enable additional financial support to event organisations for the purpose of event promotion.

The REPF is a contestable fund, available to Regional Tourism Organisations (Destination Hauraki Coromandel) through two annual application rounds.  Event organisers are not eligible to apply directly. The next round will open in early 2025.

Kickdown, Whangamatā - $37,500
Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo, Paeroa - 7,000
Steampunk The Thames, Thames - $2,700
Whitianga Run Fest, Whitianga - $4,500
Whitianga Oceans Festival, Whitianga - $15,000

TNZ Global Market Worshops: The Power of Partnership

Tourism New Zealand would like to invite you to their TNZ Global Market Workshops: The Power of Partnership workshop in:

• Rotorua (23 September), 9.30am-1.30pm, Sudima Lake Rotorua

Tourism New Zealand are aware that many may not be able to attend these workshops due to timing and travel required. For those interested, there will an online session in October – more details to come.

Explore how your business can attract more visitors from key markets during the off-peak through this interactive workshop. During the workshop you will:  

• hear the latest market insights from Tourism New Zealand’s International General Managers in person 

• get a breakdown of TNZs offshore activity and how you can get involved  

• explore how to leverage commercial platforms and partnerships to get your product in front of consumers and convert off-peak bookings 

• Share your off-peak product offering 

If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP directly using the link on the attached invitation by 15 September. Tea, coffee, and morning/afternoon tea will be provided.

This session is open to 100 participants, there will be a waiting list available if the session reaches capacity ahead of the RSVP deadline. 

Help Shape the Future of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

Hospitality, events, travel and tourism workers are invited to complete a survey on working conditions and workers’ experiences.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and on completion you can enter a prize draw for one of five $100 grocery vouchers.

The New Zealand Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Employee Experiences Survey 2024 is being conducted by Associate Professor David Williamson and Professor Candice Harris from AUT on behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Complete the survey before August 31st

Tourism New Zealand Explore Self-Famil Programme

DHC continue to work with the industry to host famils - particularly trade visits in the off season. If you're interested in hosting famils to grow awareness of your product with off shore travel agents please contact us.

If you're a trade ready product that has Qualmark certification and you're interested in hosting famils, particularly from North America and Australia, check out this Explore Programme guide and sign up.