Applications are open for a share of Hamilton City Council’s Event Sponsorship Fund, supporting major events that bring vibrancy, visitors, and economic benefits to Hamilton.

There’s $137,000 potentially available for events that are new and show longterm potential, existing major events looking to grow, or significant oneoff events that deliver strong community and business outcomes.

Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Major Events Subcommittee Geoff Taylor said the fund plays an important role in keeping Hamilton’s event calendar strong.

“Events add life to our city. They bring people together, support local businesses, and give Hamiltonians things to look forward to,” said Taylor.

“We want to back organisers who deliver real value for the community, and this fund helps them take their events to the next level.”

Multiyear grants introduced last year to give some event organisers more certainty and cut down on annual paperwork have reduced the singleyear funding available.

Events with multiyear grants include Balloons over Waikato, Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa, Round the Bridges, Z Manu World Champs, Porritt Classic, Cambridge to Hamilton Paddle Race, the Hamilton Brick Show, and the Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run Series Hamilton.

Funding decisions will consider how well an event aligns with the vision for Hamilton Kirikiriroa, the number of people it is expected to attract, how long they might spend in the city, and the level of community support.

Applications close on 31 March 2026, with decisions to be made at a Major Events Subcommittee meeting on 12 May 2026.

More information about the fund and application process is available at:

hamilton.govt.nz/community-support-and-funding/funding/major-event-sponsorship-fund/.

© Scoop Media