This financial year, the Government established a new $5 million Regional Events Promotion Fund (REPF) to support events that attract domestic visitors and stimulate regional economies. Through the fund, several West Coast events received support via DWC in the first funding round, including:
- Around Brunner Cycle Race
- Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
- Ride the Wilderness
- South Island Ultra Marathon
- Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races
- True West Adventure Race
- Westside Blitz
“The support provided through the REPF via DWC was pivotal in enhancing the profile and reach of the 2025 Hokitika Wildfoods Festival. By enabling a comprehensive and high-impact marketing campaign, the funding not only helped attract nearly 5,000 out-of-region visitors but also significantly boosted local economic activity," Melanie Anderson, Destination Westland.
Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races
“The Regional Events Promotion funding via DWC was instrumental in the continued success of the Greymouth Street Races, helping to drive attendance and visibility. The event generates an estimated $2 million in direct economic impact for our local community on race day alone—without yet measuring the wider economic benefit across the West Coast," Phillip Barnett.
CJM’S Events Limited
“DWC’s support through the REPF was pivotal in helping CJM’S Events secure funding for Ride the Wilderness 2024, Around Brunner, and the South Island Ultra Marathon 2025. This support enabled us to attract participants from all over New Zealand, as well as internationally, with an average of 89% of entrants travelling from outside the West Coast," Carol and John Moore.
