Regional Events Promotion Fund

The Government’s Regional Events Promotion Fund (REPF) is designed to support the promotion of regional events to the domestic visitor market. Announced by the Ministry of business, Innovation and Employment in March 2024, the fund seeks to increase visitor spend in the regions with an additional focus on encouraging seasonal dispersal by promoting events outside of the peak summer season. 

As the Regional Tourism Organisation for Palmerston North city and Manawatū district, CEDA has been tasked with administering the fund. To do this, we will work in partnership with our two shareholders Palmerston North City and Manawatu District Council.

Any funding decisions will be made by MBIE and are final.

The REPF is available to events which will deliver a high return on investment and increase the likelihood of encouraging visitors to explore New Zealand beyond the key tourism locations. 

Events should, where possible, align with the Manawatū Destination Management Plan.  

THE CRITERIA 

• Funding is for event promotion costs only 
• Events can be either new or established, recurring events (the event must be able to measure return on investment where possible) 
• Events must be ticketed/paid or registration events 
• Events must not occur in the period 25 December to 7 January. 

EXCLUDED EVENTS 

• Events which are also receiving (within this Round One funding period) other central government funding including: 
• Central Government’s Major Events Fund or Creative and Cultural Events Incubator (this does not include council funding)
• Ministry for Culture & Heritage 
• The current round of MBIE’s Regional Events Fund 

CO-FUNDING REQUIREMENTS 

• Applicants must co-fund at least 50% of promotion costs 
• Up to 50% co-funding from the REPF may be available up to a maximum of $237,500 per round 
• In-kind contributions are not permitted 
• REPF funding should not be used to substitute the existing promotional budget but to enhance the amount available for promotional purposes. 

WHEN TO APPLY 

The first round is currently open, with all applications to be submitted to CEDA no later than 10am on Monday 6th May. This ensures that CEDA, PNCC and MDC have enough time to review applications before submitting the final selection based on the criteria.  

HOW TO APPLY  

Once you have completed your application form, and answered all of the questions within the application form you need to email it to [email protected]