Closing date looms for Lotteries Fund for 2011 nationwide festival events

6 September 2010

Anyone hoping for Lotteries funding to put on a festival event during next year’s Rugby World Cup has just a short time left to apply.

Last month the Government announced the $9.5 million New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund for community events to be held as part of a nationwide festival in the lead-up to and during Rugby World Cup 2011. The closing date for applications is 4pm on 17 September, 2010.

Festival Director Briony Ellis says this is a chance for people to be part of the biggest festival New Zealand has ever put on and she’s hoping to see applications for a wide range of events from a wide range of communities.

“This is a great opportunity for Kiwis from all walks of life to be a part of what will be a milestone event for New Zealand.

“The nationwide festival will showcase New Zealand’s arts and culture, food and wine, heritage, entertainment, experiences and lifestyle. With an estimated 85,000 visitors coming into the country during the six weeks of Rugby World Cup, we’re encouraging New Zealanders to tell the world what they love most about living here.”

Twenty-three centres will host games or teams during RWC 2011, but the festival will touch every part of the country. With plenty of time between matches, visitors are being encouraged to ‘take the long way round’ and experience as much as possible during their stay.

Organisations can apply to the NZ 2011 Festival Lottery Fund Committee until the closing date of 17 September 2010 at 4pm, by going to www.dia.govt.nz for information and an application form.

Applicant organisations must ensure they answer all questions in the application form and that they send in all the required supporting information before the closing date. A completed Application Form, a completed and signed Client Agreement Form and all requested supporting documentation must be received for an application to be complete.

For more information, contact:

Freya Barnes
Communications Advisor, New Zealand 2011 Office
+64 4 978 7495
+64 21 0224 3583
freya.barnes@nz2011.govt.nz