Kapiti Coast District Council - Kāpiti Coast Major Events Fund

Simple application

Kapiti Coast District Council

A strategic investment fund supporting major events that deliver long-term economic benefit to the Kāpiti Coast district, increase visitation, generate visitor spend, and strengthen the region's profile as a distinctive coastal destination.

wellington

Upcoming rounds

Kāpiti Coast Major Events Fund 2026/27

Open now

140 days left

Opens

1 Mar 2026

Closes

31 Mar 2027

Pool

$180,000

Two categories: Strategic Growth Fund (up to $50,000 for events with <2,000 attendees) and Major Events Fund (balance for events with >2,000 attendees). Events must take place between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Grant Range

Up to $50,000 for Strategic Growth Fund (Tier 3 events expecting fewer than 2,000 attendees); Major Events Fund for Tier 1 and 2 events (over 2,000 attendees) with balance of $180,000 available depending on Strategic Growth allocations

What they fund

destination marketing costslocal marketing costsvisitor experience survey costste reo Māori translation and design workoperational costs (venue, stage, lighting, performance)health and safety costswaste minimisation and management costsevent management and personnel costs

Who can apply

businesscharityincorporated society

What they won't fund

Applications from individuals (must be a recognised legal entity)Events taking place outside the Kāpiti Coast districtEvents outside the funding year period (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027)Events that do not secure at least 30 percent of total costs from other sources

What they care about

Strategic investment in the Coast's visitor economy, community vibrancy and reputation. The fund supports major events that deliver long-term economic benefit, attract high-quality events that increase visitation, generate visitor spend, and strengthen Kāpiti's profile as a distinctive coastal destination.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying as an individual (fund is only open to recognised legal entities). Failing to show how costs will be covered after Council funding or not securing at least 30 percent of total costs from other sources.

What makes a strong application

Events expecting over 2,000 attendees (Tier 1 or 2) or demonstrating potential to grow to that scale (Tier 3 Strategic Growth). Applications that prioritise destination marketing, local marketing, visitor experience surveys, and te reo Māori translation and design work. Demonstrated prior major event experience.

Application structure

Organisation Information

Provide information on the organisation seeking funding, its primary business purpose, experience and areas of expertise.

Event Manager Experience

Demonstrate the primary event manager's prior major event experience and track record.

Event Description and Objectives

Describe the event, including objectives and expected economic outcomes.

Environmental Management

Detail how the organisation will manage environmental impacts from the event and follow waste minimisation processes.

Project Plans and Risk Assessment

Submit project plans, timelines, and a risk assessment for the proposed event.

Detailed Budget

Provide a detailed budget with breakdown of confirmed costs versus estimates, and competitive quotes for amounts requested. Show how remaining costs will be covered from other sources (minimum 30 percent).

Marketing and Communications Plan

Submit detailed marketing and communications plans.

Strategic Growth Plan (Tier 3 only)

Strategic Growth Fund applicants must submit a three-year plan showing how the event will grow to reach Tier 1 or 2 status.

Financial History

Provide previous financial accounts for the organisation.

Required documents

• Completed application form
• Project plans and timelines
• Risk assessment
• Detailed budget with competitive quotes
• Marketing and communications plan
• Previous financial accounts for the organisation
• Three-year growth plan (Strategic Growth Fund applicants only)

Visit website →Draft with your own AI