Ongoing talks between the New Zealand event sector and government has resulted in creation of a new $10 million fund for the domestic sector designed to help save jobs as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.
Conventions & Incentives New Zealand chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, said the new funding announcement follows a meeting with Minister of Economic Development, Phil Twyford, on Wednesday.
“The purpose of the Domestic Events Fund is to stave off the loss of critical events which contribute to regional economies, and that without support may never return,” Minister Twyford said.
“This fund won’t save every event, but it aims to support those events that provide the greatest flow-on benefit to regional economies. It has been set up to provide cash-flow within the sector.
“On top of this, sector workers have been able to access the government’s wage subsidy, which has paid out more than $12 billion, and many will benefit directly and indirectly from the $70 million Creative Arts Recovery and Employment Fund to support rebuilding the creative industries, and the $60 million Cultural Innovation Fund to encourage investment and new thinking in the cultural and creative sectors.”
To be eligible for the Domestic Events Fund, events must be:
- Existing events that are considered regionally or nationally significant, where support is needed to be able to sustainably re-start or re-scale the event, or
- Where supporting the event will help retain sector-critical event organisers and suppliers for the long-term viability of the industry.
Following the announcement, Ms Hopkins said: “We know it takes an army to create a successful event and we need great venues, technicians, caterers, event stylists, entertainers, accommodation, transportation and other organisations to work in unison to make that happen. CINZ is committed to ensuring this new fund is distributed through the wider event supply chain and to our members.”
The fund will open for applications today (Friday, July 3) and will remain open until the full $10 million has been paid out in support of the events industry.
It will be administered by New Zealand Major Events who will work with local government to make sure events that receive funding are those that create the greatest impact in supporting regional economies and jobs.
Visit www.majorevents.govt.nz to learn more. Applications for funding close on Friday, July 17, 2020.