Regional Event Promotion Fund Announcement

Three regional events in Hauraki Coromandel have secured funding through the Government’s Regional Events Promotion Fund (REPF), aimed at increasing domestic tourism and supporting regional economies.

The successful recipients are:

2026 New Zealand Women’s Surfing Festival – $5,500

Whangamatā Half Marathon – $6,000

Wings and Wheels – $5,000

The REPF is available to Regional Tourism Organisations and is designed to support local events that attract domestic visitors, with a focus on driving visitation during the shoulder and off-peak seasons. A total of $5 million has been made available over two years via the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, with the aim of dispersing tourism benefits across the country.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says,

“Investing in these events has a direct impact, with visitors spending money in local cafés, businesses and accommodation providers, driving economic activity in our communities.By growing regional tourism, our remote and rural communities can benefit from the economic opportunities it brings.”

Megan Nunn, Marketing Manager of Destination Hauraki Coromandel, says the funding support will make a tangible difference for local event organisers.

“We’re really pleased to have received support through the Regional Events Promotion Fund. It’s encouraging to see investment in events that reflect the character of our region and draw visitors beyond the peak period. These kinds of events help showcase the depth of experiences on offer across Hauraki Coromandel throughout the year.”

The Regional Events Promotion Fund has now supported 284 events across the motu, helping boost visitation and supporting local economies through tourism-driven initiatives.

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