New Zealand: New Major Events Sought for Auckland

Since July 8 major events organisers and promoters planning events in Auckland from 2016/17 onwards have an opportunity to apply for sponsorship with an annual application window.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), on behalf of Auckland Council, is calling for applications from New Zealand and off-shore for multi-year and one-off events from the 2016/17 financial year onwards.

The annual sponsorship window has opened earlier this year, and for a longer period, to allow potential applicants more time to submit their proposals for consideration. The application criteria, evaluation and decision-making process, and approximate funding levels will not change.

ATEED chief executive Brett O’Riley says the changes provide longer lead times and allow longer-term planning to make the most of opportunities around each sponsorship to ultimately enhance the quality of Auckland’s major events portfolio.

“The major events sponsorship window is highly competitive and regularly oversubscribed,” he said. “The timing changes allow Auckland to realise the full potential of each sponsorship opportunity, to deliver strong economic returns for Auckland.”