Regional events fund delivers boost to Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Ruapehu

Whanganui's HoopNation Junior Showcase is one of the events being supported to draw more visitors into the regions. Photo / Cameron Walker

Adventure races, festivals, cultural and sports events across the Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Ruapehu districts will benefit from new Government investment.

Funding from the contestable $5 million Regional Events Promotion Fund will support a range of local events aimed at attracting domestic visitors and driving economic activity in rural and regional areas.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said she was particularly pleased to support events in regions which traditionally did not see as many domestic tourists.

“Investing in these events has a direct impact, with visitors spending money in local cafes, businesses and accommodation providers,” Upston said.

One of the new events coming to the regions is the Whakapapa Festival, a non-skiing event in the Ruapehu district in June 2026.

Visit Ruapehu, Ruapehu district’s regional tourism organisation, has won $81,850 to support five adventure and cultural events: $20,250 for Mardi Gras Ohakune, $13,000 for the Ring of Fire 2026 alpine races, $11,300 for The Goat Adventure Run, $12,300 for the Tussock Traverse 2026 and $25,000 for the Whakapapa Festival in 2026.

Whanganui District Council will receive $115,500 for five key events: $17,500 for the Artists Open Studios art trail, $30,000 for the Cooks Classic athletics event, $15,000 for the HoopNation Junior Showcase basketball tournament, $40,000 for the Suzuki Series motorcycle event, and $13,000 for Whanganui Vintage Weekend.

Rangitīkei District Council will receive $10,000 for two events: $5000 for the Marton Country Music Festival and $5000 for the Rangitīkei Adventure Race.

These investments are part of a broader $2.6m allocation from the fund’s second round, supporting 152 events nationwide.

The fund, established from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, aims to grow regional tourism and support local economies.

“By growing regional tourism, our remote and rural communities can benefit from the economic opportunities it brings,” Upston said.

“Events are excellent drawcards to get more visitors into our regions, particularly in quieter parts of the year for the tourism and hospitality sector.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.