Horowhenua Major Events Fund

Organising a major event in the Horowhenua District? You might be eligible to apply for Horowhenua Major Events Funding, for support to run your event.

This fund also provides for events which may not qualify as a major event but have the potential to transition into a major event over time.

Purpose of the Fund

The purpose of the Horowhenua Major Events Fund is to:

  • Economic Contribution: Boost sustainable economic development in Horowhenua by attracting more visitors and increasing their expenditure within the district.
  • Community Strengthening: Foster strong and vibrant communities in Horowhenua by encouraging residents to both reside and work in the area.
  • Enhancing Event Excellence: Support the events industry in delivering exceptional events.
  • Celebrating Uniqueness: Celebrate and showcase the distinctive cultural, resource-rich, and vibrant offerings of Horowhenua.

Funding round

The Horowhenua Major Events Fund is open year round and will close off for applications once the fund has been allocated. If your event has already started you cannot apply for funding.

The annual budget for the Horowhenua Major Events Fund is set at $50,000.

Funding level categories

There are two funding level categories:

  • Strategic Growth Fund: Tier Two events that demonstrate the potential to evolve into Tier One events. The Strategic Growth Fund may be awarded to the same event more than once, so long as event organisers take steps to transition their event to a Tier One event. Funding per application will not exceed $10,000 per annum.
  • Major Events Fund: Applicants whose criteria matches Tier One events. Preference will be given to applicants who are a Tier One event. Applications are taken throughout the financial year starting 1 July. Once the $50,000 has been allocated applications will close. Successful Tier One events who meet the relevant reporting criteria, may apply for funding for future events.

Tier definitions

The following tier definitions apply to events.

The event manager:

  • must demonstrate sufficient prior experience of running a Tier One or Tier Two event
  • have fulfilled the terms of any previous funding contract and reported back to Council sufficiently on any previous funding received through the Major Events Fund and any other Council fund.

Tier One - Iconic / Major Event

Attendance 2,000+ attendees and / or multi-day events
Attraction Over 20% of attendees are regional / national visitors to the district
Aspiration Showcases Horowhenua on a national / international stage
Amenities -Accommodation Encourages visitors to stay overnight
Attitudes - Identity Champions Horowhenua and aligns with one of our key sectors including food, arts and culture, adventure or nature
Should increase and encourage cultural awareness
Awareness - Education Highlights unique skills / talent / industry in the district
Industry / business Creates opportunities for local businesses to step into a regional / national spotlight
Media Attracts media attention and profile on a regional / national basis
Metrics / Reporting Requires credible tools for assessing visitor awareness, marketing effectiveness and ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) Generates a return greater than 3:1 on Council investment and a direct and measurable economic benefit to Horowhenua.
Access Provides inclusive access for all visitors
Alignment Aligns with the Horowhenua District Council Long Term Plan (LTP) Community Outcomes

Tier Two - Regional / Strategic Growth Event

Attendance 1,000+ attendees - predominantly of interest to specific sectors / industry
Attraction Attracts visitors from the lower North Island
Aspiration Has potential to be developed into a Major Event
Amenities - Accommodation Encourages regional travel
Attitudes - Identity Reflects or incorporates Horowhenua and one of our key sectors including food, arts and culture, adventure or nature
May increase and encourage cultural awareness
Awareness - Education Can support employment and vocational pathways
Industry / business Creates opportunities to highlight local businesses at a regional level
Media Attracts media attention and profile on a regional basis
Metrics / Reporting Should utilise credible tools for assessing visitor awareness, marketing effectiveness and ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) Provides measurable benefit to Horowhenua’s economy
Access Provides inclusive access for all visitors, including paid or free entertainment opportunities to the community
Alignment Aligns with the Horowhenua District Council Long Term Plan and Community Outcomes

Tier Three – Community Event (not applicable to apply for the Horowhenua Major Events Fund)

Attendance Events created by and run for the local community
Attraction Attracts community engagement and attendance by locals in Horowhenua
Aspiration Has the potential to be developed into a Strategic Growth / Regional Event
Amenities - Accommodation Minimal impact on accommodation sector
Attitudes - Identity A living demonstration of Horowhenua’ s community
Often increases and encourages cultural awareness
Awareness - Education Enables youth-led development for events
Industry / business Creates opportunities to highlight local businesses and their contribution to the community
Media Attracts local media attention
Metrics / Reporting Unlikely to consider use of tools for assessing visitor awareness, marketing effectiveness and ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) Localised to event, but generally, does not add significantly to Horowhenua's broader economy
Access Local community can freely access events
Alignment Encourages local pride and social outcomes

Application process

If your event is eligible for the funding and meets the criteria, the next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This will be reviewed and if successful you'll be invited to make an application to the Major Contestable Events fund.

Submit an EOI

Those invited to apply for the Major Events Fund will typically be advised within six weeks if their application is successful.

Can I apply for an event that takes place outside of the Horowhenua District?

Events must take place, or partly take place in the Horowhenua District.  If the event partly takes place in the Horowhenua District, the level of investment needs to be of the same value or more as activities within the event happening outside of the Horowhenua District.

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive Major Event Funding the event must:

  • be classified as a Tier One event
  • be run by a recognised legal entity such as a business or a not-for-profit organisation (individuals may not apply)
  • take place, or partly take place, in the Horowhenua District. If the event partly takes place in the Horowhenua District, the level of investment needs to be of the same value or more as activities within the event happening outside of the Horowhenua District
  • have confirmed at least 30% of costs
  • demonstrate how Council funding will be used and show how residual costs after allowing for Council funding will be covered
  • have shown how the previous event met objectives, if applying for repeat funding
  • meet any other eligibility criteria outlined in the application form including $5million Public Liability Insurance Coverage for the event and the land the event is held on.
  • include Horowhenua NZ branding on event collateral and include Horowhenua District Council Communications team in event collateral approvals.
  • provide confirmation of any consenting and landowner approval requirements and the status of any required consents / approvals
  • take place within nine months of a grant being approved.

To be eligible to receive Strategic Growth Funding the event must:

  • be classified as a Tier Two event
  • be run by a recognised legal entity such as a business or a not-for-profit organisation (individuals may not apply)
  • take place, or partly take place, in the Horowhenua District. If the event partly takes place in the Horowhenua District, the level of investment needs to be of the same value or more as activities within the event happening outside of the Horowhenua District
  • demonstrate how Council funding will be used and show how residual costs after allowing for Council funding will be covered
  • provide confirmation of any consenting and landowner approval requirements and the status of any required consents / approvals
  • meet any other eligibility criteria outlined in the application form including proof of at least $5million Public Liability Insurance Coverage for the event and the land the event is held on.
  • include Horowhenua NZ branding on event collateral and include Horowhenua District Council Communications team in event collateral approvals.
  • take place within nine months of a grant being approved (or first event for multi-year events).

Criteria

Events will be assessed against the following criteria:

Assessment for Major Event Funding Assessment for Strategic Growth Funding
Operational excellence of the organisation and event manager Operational excellence of the organisation and event manager
Demonstrates how the event will help deliver on the Horowhenua District Council Long Term Plan and contribute to increasing sustainable visitor numbers Demonstrates how the event will help deliver on the Horowhenua District Council Long Term Plan and contribute to increasing sustainable visitor numbers
Generates at least a 3:1 return on Council’s investment Viability of a business plan that shows clear objectives and actions, how the event can grow and become a Major Event
Demonstrates successful financial support from other funding sources Demonstrates successful financial support from other funding sources
Meets the outcomes of Council and Iwi Partnerships as laid out in Horowhenua District Council’s Long Term Plan community outcomes Meets the outcomes of Council and Iwi Partnerships as laid out in Horowhenua District Council’s Long Term Plan community outcomes
Demonstrates sufficient waste minimisation plans and considerations of mitigation of impact on the environment Demonstrates sufficient waste minimisation plans and considerations of mitigation of impact on the environment

Preference may be given to events which:

  • are run by a professional event manager
  • closely align with Horowhenua Destination Management objectives of growth, environmental sustainability and inclusivity
  • don't coincide with any other major events in the Manawatū region, unless compatible
  • where practicable, leverage local businesses to provide event support.

What types of activities / costs will be considered for funding?

  • Destination marketing
  • Local marketing
  • Visitor experience survey costs
  • Translation and design work in relation to using Te Reo Māori in event names and marketing collateral
  • Operational costs including but not exclusive to venue, stage, lighting, and performance costs
  • Health and safety costs
  • Waste minimisation and management costs
  • Personnel costs to undertake event management, marketing and sponsorship / funding.

How much money can I ask for?

There is no limit on how much to ask for however the financial stability of an event is considered as part of the application review process.

Can I apply for other funding?

Yes, you're able to apply to other funding agencies.

Strategic Growth Fund events may not apply for additional Horowhenua District Council funding.

What can I apply for?

  • Materials or supplies needed to run your event
  • Venue or equipment hire
  • Personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects
  • Promotion and publicity of your event.

Costs may vary depending on the nature of your organisation. If in doubt, please contact us.

What does the fund not support?

The fund doesn't support Tier Three community events.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for the Horowhenua Major Events Fund are available below.

Horowhenua Major Events Fund Terms & Conditions(PDF, 213KB)

How can I work out if my event is a major event (Tier One) or Tier Two event?

The following tier definitions apply to events.

The event manager:

  • must demonstrate sufficient prior experience of running a Tier One or Tier Two event
  • have fulfilled the terms of any previous funding contract and reported back to Council sufficiently on any previous funding received through the Major Events Fund and any other Council fund.

Tier One - Iconic / Major Event

Attendance 2,000+ attendees and / or multi-day events
Attraction Over 20% of attendees are regional / national visitors to the district
Aspiration Showcases Horowhenua on a national / international stage
Amenities -Accommodation Encourages visitors to stay overnight
Attitudes - Identity Champions Horowhenua and aligns with one of our key sectors including food, arts and culture, adventure or nature
Should increase and encourage cultural awareness
Awareness - Education Highlights unique skills / talent / industry in the district
Industry / business Creates opportunities for local businesses to step into a regional / national spotlight
Media Attracts media attention and profile on a regional / national basis
Metrics / Reporting Requires credible tools for assessing visitor awareness, marketing effectiveness and ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) Generates a return greater than 3:1 on Council investment and a direct and measurable economic benefit to Horowhenua.
Access Provides inclusive access for all visitors
Alignment Aligns with the Horowhenua District Council Long Term Plan (LTP) Community Outcomes

Tier Two - Regional / Strategic Growth Event

Attendance 1,000+ attendees - predominantly of interest to specific sectors / industry
Attraction Attracts visitors from the lower North Island
Aspiration Has potential to be developed into a Major Event
Amenities - Accommodation Encourages regional travel
Attitudes - Identity Reflects or incorporates Horowhenua and one of our key sectors including food, arts and culture, adventure or nature
May increase and encourage cultural awareness
Awareness - Education Can support employment and vocational pathways
Industry / business Creates opportunities to highlight local businesses at a regional level
Media Attracts media attention and profile on a regional basis
Metrics / Reporting Should utilise credible tools for assessing visitor awareness, marketing effectiveness and ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) Provides measurable benefit to Horowhenua’s economy
Access Provides inclusive access for all visitors, including paid or free entertainment opportunities to the community
Alignment Aligns with the Horowhenua District Council Long Term Plan and Community Outcomes

Tier Three – Community Event (not applicable to apply for the Horowhenua Major Events Fund)

Attendance Events created by and run for the local community
Attraction Attracts community engagement and attendance by locals in Horowhenua
Aspiration Has the potential to be developed into a Strategic Growth / Regional Event
Amenities - Accommodation Minimal impact on accommodation sector
Attitudes - Identity A living demonstration of Horowhenua’ s community
Often increases and encourages cultural awareness
Awareness - Education Enables youth-led development for events
Industry / business Creates opportunities to highlight local businesses and their contribution to the community
Media Attracts local media attention
Metrics / Reporting Unlikely to consider use of tools for assessing visitor awareness, marketing effectiveness and ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) Localised to event, but generally, does not add significantly to Horowhenua's broader economy
Access Local community can freely access events
Alignment Encourages local pride and social outcomes

If you're still unsure, please get in touch with our Events team by emailing events@horowhenua.govt.nz or phone us on 06 366 0999.

My event date and venue are not confirmed, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still submit an EOI. You'll be required to confirm your event date and venue if your EOI is progressed.

Can I apply for funding if my event has already started?

No sorry, your event should not commence until your funding has been approved.

Can I apply for funding for my event for more than one year?

The Strategic Growth Fund may be awarded to the same event more than once, so long as event organisers take steps to transition their event to a Tier One event. Funding per application will not exceed $10,000 per annum.

Who decides whether my event is awarded funds or not?

All Horowhenua District Council grants and funding go through the Community Funding and Recognition Committee of Council. This includes five nominated councillors with the delegated authority of the full Council.

Will I be required to report on my event?

Yes, following your event you'll be required to submit a post-event report to Council within three months of the event being held.

The report must include the following information:

  • Attendance figures including a breakdown of visitor origin and visitor overnight stay in the district
  • Information on the level of visitor spending within the Horowhenua District
  • Robust analysis of event outcomes, including estimated economic impacts
  • A post-event visitor satisfaction survey analysis
  • Full financial report, including receipts and invoices showing how the funds were spent
  • Marketing and media outcomes.

What supporting documents do I need to submit with by application?

You'll need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • An Expression of Interest form to be completed prior to an application form being submitted.
  • Completed application form which will request:
    - Information on the organisation seeking funding, its primary business purpose, experience, and areas of expertise
    - Information on the primary event manager and their prior major event experience
    - Description of the event, including objectives and expected economic outcomes
    - Details on how the organisation will manage environmental impacts from the event and follow waste minimisation processes.
  • Project plans and timelines, health and safety plans and security plans.
  • Risk assessment for any proposed event
  • A detailed budget, including breakdown of whether costs are confirmed or estimates, and competitive quotes for the amounts requested
  • A detailed marketing and communication plan
  • Previous financial accounts for the organisation
  • Adequate underwriting provisions and insurance cover
  • Robust governance and event delivery structures that are / will be in place.

How do we know if our application has been approved?

Whether your application for Horowhenua Major Events Fund is approved or declined, we'll let you know the outcome within six weeks. This will be by email.

If you're successful, you'll then be sent a letter of intent which must be completed and signed before the funds are paid to you.

Does my event need to take place by a certain date once I receive funding?

Yes, your event must take place within nine months of the grant being approved.

Need assistance?

If you require assistance with your application please contact the Community Development Team on 06 366 0999 or email events@horowhenua.govt.nz