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Kia ora. RotoruaNZ’s Event Investment Fund provides strategic investment to events that generate measurable value for the Rotorua district.
The Fund exists to stimulate economic growth through increased visitation and visitor spend, while also strengthening Rotorua’s social, cultural and sector vibrancy. We invest in events that elevate Rotorua’s profile, activate our community, and align with our long-term destination strategy.
Investment is available across three funding tiers, aligned to the scale, impact and strategic value of the event:
Tier 1 – Major Events
Strategic, large-scale events that deliver significant economic impact and national or international profile for Rotorua.
Tier 2 – Significant Events
Medium-scale events that generate measurable visitation, economic benefit and/or community impact.
Tier 3 – Emerging Events
Smaller-scale events that contribute to local activation, sector development and community engagement.
Investment levels vary depending on event scale, strategic alignment and demonstrated return on investment. All funding is contestable and subject to available budget and governance approval.
To be considered for investment, events and organisers must meet all of the following:
- The event must be held within the Rotorua District
- The event must be open to the public, free or ticketed
- The event must align with one or more of the Fund’s Strategic Outcome Areas
- The applicant must be a legally constituted entity, e.g. incorporated society, charitable trust, limited company
- The event must demonstrate financial and operational viability.
RotoruaNZ may request supporting documentation to verify governance structure, financial sustainability and risk management.
The Fund does not support:
- Events that have already taken place
- Private or invitation-only events
- Fundraising events (unless delivering substantial visitor, cultural or community outcomes)
- Religious or political gatherings
- Business-as-usual operational costs
- Trade-only or internal industry events
- Pre-event feasibility studies, market research or conference bid costs
- Applicants with unresolved breaches of previous funding agreements
Investment must align with one or more of the following strategic outcomes, with expectations increasing at higher funding tiers:
1. Economic Growth
Events should deliver clear and measurable economic benefit through increased visitation, visitor nights and spend within the Rotorua district.
2. Building Brand Rotorua
Events should enhance Rotorua’s reputation as a destination to visit, live, work, study and invest.
They should reinforce Rotorua’s distinctive identity, geothermal landscapes, rich Māori culture, and world-class natural experiences.
3. Community Engagement
Events should create meaningful opportunities for local participation, strengthen community pride, and contribute positively to Rotorua’s quality of life.
4. Sector Development
Events that build capability, attract new audiences, stimulate industry collaboration or align with Rotorua’s priority growth sectors will be prioritised.
The Event Investment Fund is not currently open for Expressions of Interest.
Applications are assessed against strategic alignment, economic impact, deliverability and value for investment. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, subject to available funding.
Step 1
We encourage organisers to review the Event Strategy to 2030 and Destination Management Plan and discuss their proposal with the RotoruaNZ events team.
Step 2
Complete the online application form and provide the following supporting documentation:
Required:
- Event Budget, including confirmed and proposed revenue sources
- Event Marketing Plan, outlining target audiences, positioning and promotional activity
If available (recommended):
- Event Delivery Timeline
- Health & Safety and Risk Management Plan
- Event Business Plan
Additional documentation may be requested during the assessment process.
Timeframes
Applicants will typically be advised of the outcome of their Expression of Interest (EOI) within two weeks of submission. Applicants invited to submit a full application under Tier 1 – Major Events will typically receive a funding decision within six weeks of submitting their completed application.
Timeframes may vary depending on application volume, funding tier and governance meeting schedules
For all questions relating to the Event Investment Fund, or to discuss your event concept prior to applying, please email us at events@rotoruanz.com
