Powering a regional economic success story
From wild food festivals to surf lifesaving championships, Whakatāne's calendar of events is not just entertaining locals and visitors – it's powering a regional economic success story.
Our events sector received a major boost last month with $53,500 in Central Government Regional Events Promotion funding confirmed for six local events in 2026, representing a nearly six-fold increase from last year's $9,000 allocation.
The funding will support 2026 events - Local Wild Food Festival, Ōhiwa Oyster Festival, NZ Surf Lifesaving Championships, Jazz in the Park, Sun to Surf, and Farming Like Grandad Country Fair.
The investment comes as new data reveals the significant economic impact of Whakatāne's events programme. Six events held in early 2025 attracted 16,000 visitors for weekend stays, generating an estimated $1.4 million in direct spending for accommodation, retail, and hospitality sectors.
Our superstar events team continues to support event organisers through event marketing and public relations, health and safety processes, funding assistance, sector updates and training. For us, the formula is simple - great events bring visitors, visitors spend money, and the whole community benefits.
