The purpose of the Te Tauihu Regional Event Fund is to stimulate the local economy by driving out of region visitation through multi-day events that support and leverage local industry strengths. In addition, the fund aims to celebrate the community, build excellence into event management, and minimize waste at events.
In September 2020 MBIE announced a $50 million Regional Events Fund designed to drive domestic tourism and travel between regions through holding events. The fund is intended to support the tourism and events sector following COVID-19 border closures in attempts to replace some of the lost spend usually generated by international visitors.
The Te Tuaihu region which includes Nelson Tasman and Marlborough was allocated $1.5 million for the facilitation and funding of events over the next 4.5 years. The fund is now open and event organisers can apply by submitting an Expression of Interest below.
Submissions will be reviewed by the Event Investment Panel (EIP) according to the event location in Te Tauihu. Representatives on the EIP from Nelson Tasman will review Nelson Tasman event submissions, and representatives from Marlborough will review Marlborough event submissions.
Submissions to the Regional Event Fund are currently closed for the Nelson Tasman area.