From horses to hockey, kapa haka to Korean Day– regional events score

Auckland Council’s Community and Development Committee approved $402,500 in grant applications from the 2019/2020 Regional Event Fund this week.

Councillor Cathy Casey, chair of the committee, is thrilled with the wide variety of events that will take place in Auckland thanks to the funding.

“We have funded events that will bring people together for memorable experiences which celebrate Auckland and our diverse communities,” says Councillor Casey.

“The events will be held throughout the region, celebrating the best in arts, culture and sports. Of the 25 events we have funded, 17 relate to arts and culture and eight are sports related.”

“The diversity of events illustrates what’s so special about our region. They will really showcase our wonderful and unique city and the people who live here.” 

A profile of some of the regional events supported by the council

Japan Day

Japan Day has been supported by the Regional Events Fund for the last three consecutive years. Japan Day has grown from a small community gala to a large-scale cultural festival attracting over 40,000 people.

Naoe Hashimoto, from the Japanese Society of Auckland Inc, says that as a 100% volunteer organisation, and it is only possible to continue this popular annual event with the support of Auckland Council.

“We thank the council for their continued support and look forward to working together for the happiness of the participants and visitors who interact and share unique Japanese culture on Japan Day in Auckland,” says Naoe Hashimoto.

International Buskers Festival

Pam Glaser, Director of Crackerjack Events and organiser of the International Buskers Festival, says that the council’s support of the International Buskers Festival allows them to bring the best street theatre from all corners of the globe to delight Aucklanders over Auckland Anniversary weekend.

“There is something magical about seeing outrageous feats and world-class comedy on a street corner, performing for free, and watching the spontaneous response of Aucklanders. But without the Regional Event Fund support there would be no giggles, gasps and gags on the city streets over Auckland Anniversary weekend,” says Pam Glaser.

The New Zealand Ukulele Festival

“The Regional Events Fund grant allows us to offer a free music event where thousands of children perform alongside celebrity guest artists,” says Maria Winder, Chairperson or the New Zealand Ukulele Trust.

“We are so grateful to the council for funding the New Zealand Ukulele Festival.”

Full list of events funded from Round One 2019/2020 Regional Events Fund.

Applications for a second funding round for 2019/2020 will open in November 2019, with allocations to be approved in February 2020.

This will be a general round open to all applications and focused on the policy priority areas of Māori, youth and winter events, as well as ‘gaps’ in the events calendar. Round two will allocate the remaining Regional Events Fund budget of $197,500.

See the council’s website for more information about the Regional Events Fund.

[1] Dates are indicative and subject to change

[2] The Farmers Santa Parade application was for $65,000. This includes $50,000 established as a non-contestable dedicated budget.  The balance of $15,000 represents the level of contestable funding provided in 2018/2019 and which has been approved for funding again this year.  Consideration will be given to consolidating these budgets into one amount to ensure consistency and transparency of decision making.