Council grants coming for Auckland community events

A range of exciting and engaging community events in Tāmaki Makaurau over the next year are being made possible with the help of grants from Auckland Council.

A total of $475,000 in event funding was allocated to 23 organisations across the region, by the council’s Community Committee on 23 September as part of the annual Regional Events Fund Grants Programme, budgeted through the Long-term Plan in 2024.

Some long-standing annual community events are among those receiving funding allocations, including the Farmers Santa Parade, Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, ASB Polyfest, Big Gay Out 2026 and the 2026 Pacific Music Awards.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he's pleased some of Auckland's much-loved events will be allocated funding by the council.

"We are proud to support some of Auckland's most iconic events so people can continue to enjoy these smaller local events." 

The community grants are separate to the Major Events Funding led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU). 

"There does, however, remain a funding shortage for our major events. I thank the Government for their recent funding announcement here, but a sustainable, long-term solution must be found, and a user-pays bed levy remains the most logical solution," Mayor Brown says.

Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the Community Committee says she’s pleased with the range of events in store for Aucklanders, supported by the grant.

“At the heart of a thriving and connected Auckland are events which bring communities together.

“I’m thrilled that the council is once again getting behind numerous events across the region through this grant.

“We’re supporting a range of diverse cultural, music and sports events that will cater to Aucklanders from all walks of life and will be places to connect and celebrate.

“Another positive effect of these events is the boost they give to nearby local businesses when they are held.”

Aliimalemanu Kenneth Aiolupotea, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Community Wellbeing said he’s pleased with the calibre of organisations that applied for a grant to host events.

“A range of factors were considered in allocating funding, including how well the event is planned, alignment with key Auckland occasions such as Christmas or Auckland Anniversary weekend, community support and involvement, and positive benefits to the community with a particular emphasis on youth and Māori.”

“Aucklanders have a wide array of exciting events they can choose to attend over the next year with help from the grant.”

The Regional Event Grants Programme for 2025-26 has a total budget allocation of $600,000, of which $475,000 was allocated during this funding round. The remaining $125,000 is expected to be allocated in March 2026.

More information on the council’s grants programme that supports Aucklanders’ aspirations for a great city, including the Regional Events Fund Grants Programme can be found on the Auckland Council website.

Regional Events Fund Grants Programme round one allocations