Event funding from this budget supports existing events and offers seed funding for newer events – initial money to get an event underway and through the early stages of development.
It is expected that as events grow, they should develop a sustainable business plan and secure sponsorship and/or other funding and revenue so that Whanganui District Council event funding can lessen and end.
We want to support events that align with our strategic goals. We will prioritise funding for events that:
provide direct economic benefit to our local economy and business community
promote Whanganui as a positive, vibrant, progressive place
bring significant numbers of visitors into Whanganui, providing immediate incremental revenue for tourism-related businesses and a pipeline of new residents and businesses.
Events that directly compete with other Whanganui District Council funded events.
Individual travel and accommodation expenses related to developing or promoting an event.
Establishment costs for a new organisation.
Organisation or event manager overheads.
Events taking place within the next three months may be unlikely to receive funding due to time constraints.
Download your Event Funding Application form 2026(PDF, 410KB) and return by email to paul.chaplow@whanganui.govt.nz
Once completed, your application will be reviewed by our events panel. You may be required to attend a meeting for the panel to better understand the event.
Should your application have been successful, Whanganui District Council will outline the terms of funding being provided. All applications will receive guidance on the decisions made.
The Whanganui District Council Visitor Experiences team will support your event through regular meetings to ensure strong marketing for the event is tied in with the overall promotion of Whanganui as a destination.
Once complete, an event report will be completed to assess the success of the event.
Funding for events taking place between 1 July and 30 June following the application window closing.
The funding application window for events taking place between 1 July, and 30 June, will open 1 April and close 31 May.
Applicants will be notified of decisions in June.
Should funding remain, a new application window will be opened and announced.
If the timing of your event does not align with these times, please contact us.
Download your Event Funding Application(PDF, 410KB) form and return by email to paul.chaplow@whanganui.govt.nz
Contact us to learn more about our criteria and how to apply for the event funding.