East Coast events receive government funding to attract tourists

The Longline Classic was granted $20,500 via round two of the Regional Events Promotion Fund. Photo / Rebecca Grunwell

• The Government is supporting East Coast events through the Regional Events Promotion Fund.
• MP Dana Kirkpatrick says the funding aims to boost tourism and sustain local businesses year-round.
• The Longline Classic and Iron Māori ki Te Tairāwhiti received funding.

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick says the Government is encouraging more New Zealanders to visit the area, with support from the Regional Events Promotion Fund.

The funding will support a range of events across the East Coast, including Gisborne’s Longline Classic, Iron Māori ki Te Tairāwhiti, the Whakatāne Local Wild Food Festival, and the Ōpōtiki Lantern Festival.

The Longline Classic received $20,500, and Iron Māori ki Te Tairāwhiti got $15,000.

“I’m thrilled to see support for events right across our region, from Ōhope to Gisborne,” Kirkpatrick said in a statement.

“These events bring people into our communities, showcase our unique local culture, and help keep businesses thriving even outside the summer peak.”

She said the fund was aimed at regions that didn’t typically draw high numbers of domestic tourists, particularly during quieter seasons.

“Events like these are great drawcards. They bring people into places like Ōpōtiki, Gisborne, and Tairāwhiti, create economic activity, and help sustain jobs and small businesses across the rohe.”

She said the Government was committed to backing regional growth and delivering practical support to communities like the East Coast.

Across two rounds, the fund had supported 284 events across the country.

A full list of successful applications was available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.

Last year’s recipients in Tairāwhiti during round one of the funding were the Longline Classic festival ($41,200) and the First Light Marathon ($20,000).