Auckland’s vibrancy enhanced through sport, art and culture

People love participating in Auckland’s wide range of sporting, artistic and cultural events. These events help to shape a city we are proud of, want to stay or return to, and a place that others want to visit, move to or invest in.

To enhance the vibrancy of our city, Auckland Council’s Community Development and Safety Committee recently allocated $192,000 to 17 organisations undertaking events throughout Auckland.

Councillor Casey, chair of Auckland Council’s Community Development and Safety Committee, says that regional events build pride in our city, diverse suburbs and neighbourhoods.

“We have funded a wonderful range of events this round. They are events that contribute to an inclusive Auckland, a city of opportunity, a culturally rich and creative city and an Auckland with a Māori identity; Auckland’s point of difference in the world. Our events support a beautiful Auckland that is loved by its people.”

A snapshot of events

The extremely popular and iconic Pacific Music Awards, an annual awards event celebrating Pacific music and Pacific artists, has again received funding from the regional events fund.

The event honours the achievements and successes of ‘current’ Pacific artists and also pays tribute to legacy and developing artists. The event is a platform for our Pacific communities and music industry to come together for one fantastic night of celebration.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Pacific Music Awards and is an event that supports Auckland as a City of Music having joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network last year.

Petrina Togi-Sa’ena, Event Producer and Trustee of the Pacific Music Awards, is proud of Pacific artists and says that the event loves celebrating their music.

“We sincerely appreciate the long-term support we have received from Auckland Council, which significantly contribute to ensuring the Pacific Music Awards are held each year.

"This year, we celebrate 15-years, which is an important milestone for the awards, the Pacific music community and music industry. We wouldn't have reached this anniversary, without the support of our sponsors.”

The well-loved Cargo Plus Coastal Challenge has also received funding. The Coastal Challenge has been running (excuse the pun!) for over 15-years. The Challenge is a favourite event for many Aucklanders and a great way f to experience the beautiful coastline in their own backyard on the North Shore.

A new event to receive funding this year is the ‘Raise Up Youth Festival’ a food, music and well-being event that will bring young people together with youth support services and opportunities.

The event, proposed for later this year, will feature a diverse range of performances by local young people who will showcase the talents of our youth. Youth organisations and support services will be invited to participate in the event. Raise Up is a youth designed and delivered event.

The council’s Community Development and Safety Committee allocated funding to the following organisations from the Regional Event Fund in February 2019:

Read more about the council’s Regional Event Fund Grants and see if your organisation’s regional event may qualify for future funding here. You can also read the council’s Events Policy on the council’s website.