Summertime will see endless event options for locals and visitors to the wider Western Bay thanks to the funding support of the local collaborative fund, Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund (TWBCEF).
The latest round of the TWBCEF has resulted in 30 applications receiving a combined total of $354,300.
The fund opens more opportunities for event organisers as they can now access funding from organisations they were previously unable to if they did not have a non-for-profit status.
Over half of the $900,000 annual funding pool for 2023 / 2024 has now been allocated, and the fund will have up to another four rounds for the remaining 2023 / 2024 year.
The 30 applications granted funding for round two are spread over the summer and stretch into Autumn 2024. These events are all community-driven events, aiming to enrich the Tauranga and Western Bay communities through active participation and inclusion.
“Summer in Tauranga and Western Bay will have endless event options for people to attend over the coming months,” says Rachael Davie, Strategy and Community General Manager of Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
“We’re excited to see the funding go to a wide variety of events throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay, offering options for those interested in arts and culture, sports, Christmas celebrations and events tailored to more specific community groups.”
Funding recipient’s events:
Tauranga Moana Tangata Festival held from 20 September to 22 October 2023 at Matakana Island.
Te Puke Sikh Parade held on 30 September 2023 at Gurudwara Temple, Centennial Park.
Te Puke Diwali Festival held on 30 September 2023 at Gurudwara Temple, Centennial Park.
Live Life Greener – Community Beach Clean Pod Launch held on 1 October 2023 at Waihi Beach Surf Club.
Walk with You, Waihi Beach held on 6 October – 5 November 2023 at Waihi Beach Surf Club.
Dogs Day Out held on 7 and 8 October 2023 at Waikato University and Tauranga Racecourse.
Fijian Language Week and Independence Day Celebration held on 8 to 14 October 2023 at Te Puke Sports and Recreation Club.
Tauranga Arts Festival held from 19 to 29 October 2023 at multiple locations.
Annual Kabaddi Tournament held on 28 and 29 October 2023 at Aquinas College.
Ethkick held on 4 November 2023 at Blake Park.
Pedal and Spokes Family Cycle Ride held on 4 November 2023 at The Historic Village and Kopurererua Valley.
Armistice Day Memorial Service held on 11 November 2023 at Stella Place.
GenX / Marra Tinman Triathlon held on 19 November 2023 at Pilot Bay.
Tauranga Moana Trans Pride and Day of Remembrance held on 19 November 2023 at The Historic Village.
Christmas in Te Puke held on 2 December 2023 at Jubilee Park.
Carols on the Waterfront held on 3 December 2023 at The Strand, Tauranga CBD.
Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon held on 3 December 2023 at Arataki Park and Baywave Aquatic Centre.
Carols in the Park held on 9 December 2023 at Omokoroa Sports Fields.
A Night Before Christmas held on 16 December 2023 at Bethlehem College.
Community Christmas Lunch held on 16 December 2023 at Katikati Memorial Hall.
The Mount Monster held on 16 December 2023 at Mount Main Beach.
EVES Surfbreaker Triathlon held on 27 December 2023 at Mount Main Beach.
Katikati A&P Show held on 3 and 4 February 2024 at Uretara Domain A&P Showgrounds.
Frocks on Bikes held on 4 February 2024 at Urban Katikati.
Waitangi Day Festival held on 6 February 2024 at The Historic Village.
140th Anniversary Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show held on 17 and 18 February 2024 at Tauranga Racecourse.
Calley Homes Womens Triathlon held on 18 February 2024 at Pilot Bay.
Marra Sprint Triathlon held on 24 March 2024 at Pilot Bay.
Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run Series held on 27 April 2024 at McLaren Falls.
Festival of Disability Sport held on 27 April 2024 at Mercury Baypark Arena.
Project Youth Hip Hop Dance Competition held from 31 May to 2 June 2024 at Mercury Baypark Arena.
Applications for round three of the TWBCEF are now open through the website.
Fund organisers, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are inviting new community event applications to be submitted before the 20 October cut-off date. Decisions for round three of the fund will be released by 20 November 2023.
The maximum funding cap per event is $50,000 for events in Tauranga and $15,000 for Western Bay of Plenty events.
For any queries, please contact Sarah Young, Grants & Event Fund Advisor info@communityeventfund.nz.
Pedal and Spokes Family Cycle Ride held on 4 November 2023 at The Historic Village and Kopurererua Valley.
Mount Monster, happening 16 December 2023 at Mount Maunganui main beach.
