Community events across Tauranga and the Western Bay are set to thrive, with the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund confirmed for another three years and more than $1 million available in funding for the 2026–2027 period.

The Fund’s five funding partners, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have reaffirmed their shared commitment through this strong partnership model, working together to achieve greater collective impact for the region. By pooling resources and aligning their support, the partners have secured the future of the region’s most important source of funding for locally-led community events. The renewed agreement also includes an increase in this year’s funding pool, meaning more events can be supported to bring people together, celebrate local culture, and strengthen community connection.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Community and Strategic Relationships Manager, Jodie Rickard said “This is a real win for our community and for the volunteers and organisations who deliver events across our region.”

“The commitment to continue collaborating, combined with increased funding, gives event organisers greater certainty to plan, grow and deliver events that bring people together”

Alongside the announcement of the extended and increase the funding commitment, the Community Event Fund is pleased to announce the recipients of the latest funding round.

The 15 successful applicants from this round represent a diverse range of events that reflect the richness of the region. They include a mix of cultural celebrations and community festivals to sporting and family-focused events. Together, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, participate and enjoy what Tauranga and the Western Bay have to offer.

Since its establishment in 2022, the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund has played a key role in supporting events that foster inclusion, wellbeing and a strong sense of place. The next three-year commitment ensures this positive impact will continue to deliver strong benefits, with increased capacity to support both established and emerging community events.

“The Fund is about more than events, it’s about our people,” said TECT Chief Executive Wayne Werder, “By investing in community-led events, we’re investing in social connection, local pride and shared experiences that bring our region together.”

“It’s fantastic to see the funders and councils continuing to work together, recommitting to and growing the event fund so we can all continue to support our local event organisers.”

The current funding round is now open for events taking place between July and September 2026, with applications closing on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. Event organisers are encouraged to apply early to ensure sufficient time for planning and delivery.

About the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund

The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is a collaborative partnership between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Established in 2022, the Fund supports community-led events and those that encourage free or low-cost participation across the region. The Fund was designed to streamline the funding process for community event organisers through offering a single application to multiple funders – reducing duplication, saving time for often volunteer-led groups, and providing clearer, more coordinated funding decisions.

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