The third round of the Government-backed Dunedin Regional Events Fund (REF) opens on 3 October to Dunedin event organisers, who can apply for between $25-100,000.

The fund is aimed specifically at events taking place before 30 June 2023 that organisers can demonstrate will increase domestic visitor numbers and spend in the city. Applications close on 28 October.

Events that meet the criteria can apply for between $25,000 and $100,000 to support an event. The funding can be applied for in addition to other Dunedin City Council event grants.

Full funding criteria and terms and conditions and the application form (live from 3 October) can found on the DCC website.

Anyone intending to apply is encouraged to get in touch with the DCC Events Team ahead of submitting an application, by emailing: events@dcc.govt.nz.

Previous recipients of REF funding include the New Zealand International Science Festival, Otago Rally, Midwinter Carnival and Moana Nui Festival. Event organisers predominantly used the funding to scale up their marketing activity and resourcing.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) funding is being facilitated by the DCC’s Enterprise Dunedin, in its capacity as the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for the city.