World Cup festival presents opportunity for Kapiti and Horowhenua - Guy
Otaki MP Nathan Guy is encouraging Kapiti and Horowhenua Councils and Nature Coast to make the most of new funding available for festival events during next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Last week the Prime Minister and Mr Guy, as Minister of Internal Affairs, launched the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund. $9.5 million is available for community events held during the Rugby World Cup, such as concerts, fairs, exhibitions, street markets and parades.
“Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand and we want to maximise the community involvement,” says Mr Guy.
“85,000 visitors are expected and there are seven games in Wellington and two in Palmerston North. This presents a real opportunity for Kapiti and Horowhenua to get involved in the spirit of the tournament, while showcasing our region to visitors.
“Running festival events locally will enable more Kapiti and Horowhenua people to feel a part of the Rugby World Cup.
“I’ll be meeting with Kapiti Mayor Jenny Rowan, Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy and Nature Coast to discuss how our region could be involved. This may involve a joint proposal for events in our region being put forward.”
The funding has been allocated by the Lottery Grants Board, which distributes the profits of New Zealand Lotteries (including Lotto and Instant Kiwi) to various statutory bodies and distribution committees.
Applications for grants close on 17 September 2010.
Otaki MP and Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy speaks at the launch of the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund.
PQs: 11. Rugby World Cup-2011 Festival Lottery Fund
NewsRoom.co.nz Agency Story at 8:03 am, 05 Aug 2010
11. JACQUI DEAN (National-Waitaki) to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Why has the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund been created?
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs): During the Rugby World Cup next year nationwide festivals will be held to celebrate New Zealand's culture, heritage, and national identity. The New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund is providing $9.5 million in funding to support these festival events. The Rugby World Cup is the biggest sporting event ever held in New Zealand, and we want to maximise the community's involvement. This funding will help communities and regions get involved in the spirit of the event.
Jacqui Dean: What kind of events can be funded?
Hon NATHAN GUY: This fund will support all sorts of events with a community purpose associated with the Rugby World Cup. This could include things like concerts, fairs, exhibitions, street markets, and parades. Applications are now open, and they close on 17 September. I encourage communities to come up with ideas and make their applications through the website of the Department of Internal Affairs.