Four events in Marlborough given $75k

Kira Carrington, Local Democracy Reporter

Four major upcoming events in Marlborough have received nearly $75,000 in total from the Government to help them attract visitors to the region.

The Regional Events Promotion Fund, provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, helps organisations to promote regional events, and encourages visitors to contribute to regional economies.

Of the total $74,200 for events, the South Island Masters Games in October got $26,000, Garden Marlborough in November got $17,000, next year’s Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival got $10,000, and next year’s Marlborough Wine & Food Festival got $21,200.

Destination Marlborough acting general manager Tracey Green said that regional events were very important in drawing visitors to Marlborough.

“Marlborough has many great assets about it to draw visitors here. Having events is just an additional drawcard, and especially the events that have achieved funding. They're quite unique to our region,” Green said.

Marcus Pickens, general manager of Wine Marlborough, which ran the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, said the benefits went beyond just the organisation.

“The event’s origins were actually to put Marlborough on the map as a world-class wine growing region, and that was 38 years ago," Pickens said.

“It's underpinned by having a world-class offering and hosting people. Showing that Marlborough is a must-see destination and having events is a critical part of [that].”

Pickens said the extra funding would go towards marketing the event to more people outside the region.

“You have to market so cleverly today, and we're a small organisation, so having a little extra funds to go further is vital really.”

The contestable Regional Events Promotion Fund, established in 2024, was now in its second tranche of funding, investing $2.6 million in 152 regional events nationwide. Round one provided $2.375m to 132 events.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said visitors to the events spent money in the regions’ cafes, businesses and accommodation providers.

“Events are excellent drawcards to get more visitors into our regions, particularly in quieter parts of the year for the tourism and hospitality sector.”

Green said she hoped the Government would extend the fund beyond the budgeted two-year period.

“It's a fantastic initiative, to be supporting more regional tourism events,“ Green said.

“I'd love to see it keep going, if the Government can keep providing it.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.