tour funding nz

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Applications Open For Aotearoa Touring Programme Funding

The Music Commission have announced the Aotearoa Touring Programme , with applications now open in two of the three planned funding tiers.

One of the significant initiatives within the Government’s NZ Music Recovery Fund , the Aotearoa Touring Programme is part of the Ministry of Culture & Heritage -led Arts & Culture Covid Recovery Programme , which is focused on the recovery, regeneration and revitalisation of the cultural sector.

ATP funding is aimed at supporting both emerging and established artists to undertake tours of Aotearoa, with a focus on projects which will take original, live local music to regions. (‘This Programme will invest in national touring costs, to enable more New Zealand artists to grow sustainable careers and increase the access to live music for local audiences.’) The idea is to help reinvigorate the live music sector and assist recovery from the effects of Covid-19 in the domestic touring market. 

It is a matched investment scheme, meaning artists (or their representatives) can apply for 50% of eligible costs for domestic tours, and is a contestable fund. Applications are now open for the first two lower value tiered funds.

The Tier 1 Fund allocates $1 million for NZ artists who perform original music in ‘lower capacity’ venues of up to 600 capacity. You can apply for a 50% contribution towards approved eligible costs and the funding will provide at least 100 grants for a maximum of $10,000 each between now and June 2022.

The Tier 2 Fund is a total of $2M which will provide for at least 40 grants of a maximum $50,000 each, over the same period. This is for artists whose tours include bigger venues (i.e. over 600 capacity). Applicants will need to have a track record of successful local touring and/or ‘a significant audience base’.

Tier 3 Fund applications will open later in 2020 for major scale events featuring original NZ artists. The $1M to be allocated must be invested between then and June 2021. For more information contact [email protected] .

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Three 2022 Residencies Offered At NZSM

2021 aotearoa music photography award winners, chamber music nz appoints catherine gibson as new ce, 2024 pacific music awards nominations – keep a watch.

• aotearoa touring programme
• covid recovery programme
• ministry of culture and heritage
• nz music commission

• Careers at BDO New Zealand
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

New $49 million fund to kick-start NZ tourism after Covid

Businesses in five key South Island tourist locations are being targeted by three new Government initiatives, worth $69 million in total.

From this Friday 1 April, tourism businesses in Westland, Southland, Kaikōura, Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes Districts will be able to apply for a grant valued between $10,000 and $50,000 as part of the Government’s new Tourism Kick-start Fund. This is in addition to the current Business Advisory Support and business implementation advice funds already available.

There are three business initiatives eligible tourism businesses affected by COVID-19 can apply for:

• $10 million Business Advisory Support (up to $5,000 per business operation) to enable businesses to receive expert advice and support, such as on changing target markets, or scaling their business.
• $10 million in grants for businesses to implement business advice (up to $5,000 per business operation), including help with financial and cash flow management, business continuity, marketing, digital enablement and HR advice.
• If your revenue in 2019/20 financial year was $60,000-$260,000, you would receive $10,000.
• If your revenue in 2019/20 financial year was more than $260,000, you would receive two weeks revenue up to a maximum of $50,000.

Tourism businesses can apply for one or all of the initiatives if eligible. Each initiative provides one grant per business operation, which must be physically based in at least one of the five locations specified.

Richie O’Meara, Managing Partner at BDO Southern Lakes and Central Otago, said: “It’s great to see the Government acknowledging the pain of the last two years for tourism businesses. I’m working with a number of local tourism entities who will be keen to take advantage of this fund. Tourism in Aotearoa is absolutely open for business and the clients we work with are keen to make sure their business is as strong as it can be to harness the opportunities that NZ’s borders opening will bring. They are ready to go from merely surviving to thriving, and this fund will help them get there.”

Who is eligible for the support?

To apply for the business advisory support fund, you must:.

• Be a tourism business – which is defined as a business where at least 50% of operational output is purchased by tourists (domestic or international). This can include service businesses whose output is purchased by tourism businesses, and encompasses accommodation, arts and recreational services, food, transport and retail.
• Be physically based within at least one of the five districts.
• Be a privately-owned business or Māori Trust or incorporation under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or similar organisation managing Māori assets under multiple ownership (Charitable Trusts, Incorporated Societies, Non-business entities, and Local and Central Governments are ineligible).

In addition, to apply for the Business Advice Implementation Grant, you must also have received advice from the Regional Business Partner Network or similar alternative channel.

To be eligible for the Tourism Kick-start Fund , in addition to meeting the criteria for the Business Advisory Support fund, you must also;

• have engaged in hibernation-like activities, for example: reduced opening hours, level of services, customers or business capacity due to COVID-19. Compared to 2019/20 financial year, a business must have experienced a drop in annual revenue of at least 50%;
• have a minimum annual revenue of $60,000 pre-COVID-19 (2019/20 financial year);
• not have received direct Government tourism support from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme; and
• pass a viability test demonstrating that the business will remain viable and operating up to and beyond the border re-opening. This can be discussed with one of your Lead Entity’s Growth Advisors.

The Tourism Kick-start Fund can be used for recruitment and wages, training, operating expenditure, fixed overheads (e.g. leases), marketing and repairs or maintenance directly related to scaling up business operations. It cannot be used for capital expenditure, any situation where a potential conflict of interest may arise, or paying off debt.

You can read more about eligibility here .

How to apply

Each location has a lead entity administering the fund, and applications must be made directly to that entity:.

• Tourism Communities Initiatives  — ChristchurchNZ
• Tourism Support  — Great South
• Queenstown Lakes: Support, Recovery & Re-Set Plan  — Business South Inc
• Tourism Recovery and Re-set Kickstart Plan  — West Coast New Zealand

BDO is a registered service provider with the Regional Business Partners Network and we are currently supporting tourism clients through the ongoing effects of the pandemic. If you need help applying or want to check your availability, reach out to your local office today to see how BDO can help you kick-start your tourism business.

The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) supports the growth and education of New Zealand's tourism industry.

Academic Scholarships

Tourism academic scholarship applications are open annually to young New Zealanders about to commence their final year of tertiary study in a tourism course. The two scholarships are split between one applicant completing level 4-6 qualifications and one completing level 7 and above.

Find out more

Project Grants 

TINZT has funding for tourism-related projects and initiatives large and small that meet one or more of our aims.

• Increase the knowledge of people working in New Zealand’s tourism industry
• Educate New Zealanders about our tourism industry
• Encourage and promote a tourism industry based on the sustainable use and preservation of New Zealand’s natural assets

Contac t us

Postal address.

PO Box 1697

Wellington 6140

Physical Address

Level 2, Inspire House

125 Featherston Street

Wellington 6011

General Enquiries

  [email protected]

  04 409 1014

  0800 TIA HELP (842 4357)  

Scholarship Enquiries

 info @tinzt.org.nz

TRENZ Enquiries

  [email protected]

e: [email protected]

t: 04 499 1014 | 0800 TIA HELP (842 4357)

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Five new projects to receive tourism funding

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key has announced the Government is investing in five new projects to help grow the tourism sector in New Zealand.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner and has a crucial role in growing our economy.  The industry is in great shape and we want to keep that momentum going,” says Mr Key. 

Through the Tourism Growth Partnership Fund, the Government is investing $1.1 million in five new projects across New Zealand.

The projects are:

• $124,000 to the Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki Tribal Trust to create Te Haerenga, a guided tour on the islands of Rangitoto and Motutapu.
• $290,000 to Tourism Waitaki Limited to develop a heritage tour through Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct.
• $47,600 to the Raglan Mountain Bike Club to promote all year round adventure activities in Raglan.
• $390,000 to Pacific Destinations - Institute of Golf to deliver world class golf experiences.
• $280,000 for Tourwriter - Mobile Itineraries Project to create an App to help visitors manage their bookings and discover targeted activities.

This funding is on top of the $1.5 million announced last week to help promote direct flights from Guangzhou, China to Christchurch.

“We want to attract more visitors to New Zealand and we can do this by identifying and responding to new market opportunities and looking at what additional products and services we can provide.  I am really excited about the range of projects we are helping fund in this round,” says Mr Key.

The Tourism Growth Partnership is a contestable co-investment fund that allows the Government to work in partnership with the tourism industry.

Under the Tourism Growth Partnership, the Government has made $8 million per year available to support projects that will create new opportunities and help overcome barriers to growth in the tourism sector.  

The Government has now invested $10.5 million in 20 projects.

Attached is further information about the five successful applicants in this round.

Round Four of the Tourism Growth Partnership Fund is now open. More information is available at www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/tourism/tourism-growth-partnership .

An independent Panel of Experts shortlists applications and provides advice to the Chief Executive of MBIE who decides which projects receive funding.

Funding the Future of Tourism in New Zealand

Implementing global best practices in tourism taxation & funding.

While customised for New Zealand, many of these ideas could be equally applied to other nations, states, provinces and cities around the world.

• Access “Funding for Tomorrow” , a summary of 10 international best practices in tourism taxation and funding from two major studies across both North America and Europe.
• Read the two-part blog on “Reimagining New Zealand Tourism: Eight Essential Ways to Build Back Better”

Like many parts of the world, Aotearoa (New Zealand) is looking to a better future for its tourism industry post pandemic. To build back better, to renew a tourism industry which is more sustainable, better managed and offers deeper and broader based benefits to the country. A foundation of this renewal, however, will be adequate funding from tourism, specifically the right mix of visitor taxation, levies and other funding sources.

There are clear best practices from across the globe to learn from. In 2020, Miles Partnership helped facilitate (with other agency and industry partners) two of the largest ever studies into tourism taxation and funding options and opportunities. These two major studies looked at North America and Europe respectively and are collectively called “ Funding for Tomorrow ” (see detailed links below). This exhaustive review of visitor taxation and fees across thousands of destinations provides a great starting point to develop taxation and funding that is “future-focused,” in short; “Funding for Tomorrow”.

As a starting point to the debate in New Zealand (and many other destinations around the world), here are eight initial recommendations for action on sustainable, resilient and regenerative tourism taxation and funding.

1. Tourism Improvement District – A “Future-Focused” Funding Model. The Tourism Improvement District (TID) model emerged from our research as the best option for managing tourism taxation and funding models in a focused, well-governed and transparent structure. Bed taxes, one of the oldest and most common visitor funding models in the world has also been proposed in New Zealand, for example in Queenstown . However, bed taxes are a blunt funding mechanism – dated and fraught with challenges. Chief amongst them is a lack of a dedicated funding structure which allows the vast majority of bed taxes in many destinations to be siphoned off to non-tourism-related spending by governments. This is essentially “taxation without representation” and is a global challenge with tourism taxation of all types. New Zealand should develop a TID model adapted to its needs that reflects the global best practices we identified including dedicated funding, the ability to target a broader range of visitor related businesses (vs. just commercial accommodation) with an independent governance structure that reflects the range of critical tourism stakeholders – local government, industry, residents, Iwi etc.

• References: See more on Tourism Improvement Districts in the “ Funding Futures ” report – “Evolution of Dedicated Funding” on page 80 .
• Civitas, one of our partner agencies in the funding research has additional research and case studies on TIDs and has organized a first ever “Tourism Improvement District Conference” for DMOs, Governments etc. Learn more here .

2. National Legislative Framework/Best Practices: Regardless of the funding model(s) adopted, a consistent and best practice approach to their implementation and management is helpful across nations or states and provinces. We advocate that New Zealand should develop a national legislative framework for the implementation of taxation and funding by Local Government Authorities. This could apply to how Tourism Improvement Districts are established and how specific sectors, i.e. Short Term Rentals (STRs), are managed and taxed (TIDs can and should include holiday and vacation rentals). While allowing some customisation for local issues, this umbrella enabling legislation should provide clear guidelines for when tourism taxation and fees can be activated, how funds can be used, appropriate governance structures and mechanisms for ensuring transparency on the funds raised and where money is spent for the benefit of visitors, residents and businesses.

Memphis Tourism in Tennessee, USA had a robust reserve policy in place ensuring it was well resourced to meet and manage the impact of the pandemic.

3. Reserves & Resilience Funding. Any taxation and funding model should include specific mechanisms to build resilience and manage the elevated risks of a post pandemic world. Importantly this includes building substantive reserve funds; up to one year’s operating budget that can be tapped in the event of future pandemics, natural disasters or other significant interruptions to tourism. Tourism taxation in the future can also be one part of funding the critical need for investment in resilient infrastructure including improved water and waste systems and projects to minimize and mitigate the impacts of climate change, for example expanding renewable energy or improved flood control projects. 

• References : See more on Reserves in the “Funding Futures” report – “Building Reserves” on page 67 . Also, see the ‘ Tourism Taxes by Design’ European report – “What Taxes?” and “Mapping Taxes” on pages 11 and 17 for funding examples of infrastructure & resilience projects.

4. Risk Mitigation. Another element of a resilient future is solving the crisis in insurance especially for major events, conferences and cross border travel. The COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp relief the risks of events being cancelled and borders being closed at a few days or even hours, notice. These pandemic related risks (eg: event cancellations and border closures) are now excluded by ‘Force Majeure’ clauses in almost all insurance policies. A national public–private insurance model is urgently needed to mitigate this uncertainty and risk during the recovery from COVID-19. See the national scheme Germany has introduced – with other nations eg: the UK, other European countries soon to follow.

• References : See more on public-private insurance is covered in “Sharing Risk” on page 70 in the “Funding Futures” report in addition to an example of how Germany is handling it .

  5. National Accord for Central Industry Resources. Though tourism funding from national VAT/GST taxes collected from visitors does occur in a number of countries, the Government has flagged this is unlikely in New Zealand. However, it is important for the Government to acknowledge the significant taxation generated from tourism, including the $2+ billion in GST paid each year by international visitors pre pandemic. Tourism in many nations including New Zealand is the only ‘export’ industry to pay VAT/GST taxes. We advocate a national accord between the tourism industry and the Government that recognises this anomaly and funds critical industry resources that need substantive funding. This long term, cross party agreement can support critical industry resources such as tourism research & data sets, destination management support services, industry skills & capability building and a significant fund for nationally important infrastructure projects. Any such accord should be responsive to tourism growth ensuring national resources are calibrated to changes in tourism activity and therefore, the demands of managing tourism.

Targeted tourism taxation such as Rental car levies can fund our industry’s migration to electric vehicles.

6. Regenerative – Climate Change Funding . A key feature of “building back better” is ensuring specific funding for regenerative tourism projects – both national and regional. This concept has been embraced by many in New Zealand tourism including a number of Regional Tourism Offices (RTOs) working with international regenerative tourism leader, Anna Pollock, the Tourism Futures Taskforce ( see their interim report here ) and business commentator Rob Oram ( see his recent article here ).  

Regenerative tourism looks to reinvest in community and/or environmental projects that enhance the destination that both residents and visitors enjoy. Regenerative tourism can also invest in meeting climate change related goals for tourism. In New Zealand this was recently highlighted by both the Climate Change Commission and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment . Here are two ideas building on their work: i. A special rental car tax to fund the addition of charging stations across New Zealand touring routes and the rapid migration of the rental vehicle fleet to electric and ii. An airport departure/arrival tax on all international airline flights to fund the migration to biofuels or electric aircraft and/or to offset the carbon emissions while this migration is underway. 

• References : See more on Regenerative Tourism Funding on page 87 in the “ Funding Futures “. Plus see the ‘ Tourism Taxes by Design’ European report – What Taxes? & Mapping Taxes, Pages 11 & 17 for regenerative tourism projects.
• Also see my blog on “ Net Zero to New Zealand” from Earth Day 2019 . 

A wide range of European destinations including Amsterdam in the Netherlands have created visitor taxes that vary by season, length of stay or other ‘outcome based’ objectives.

7. Outcome Based Pricing. Taxes and visitor levies through TIDs, airport departure/arrival tax and rental car taxes should be variable based on demand and supply – moving up or down by seasonality, and even by region. Far higher in peak season(s) or congested ‘hot spots’, far lower in the off season or less visited regions. This type of ‘regulatory design’ of taxes grew significantly in recent years with a range of European destinations such as the Netherlands, Switzerland and Croatia implementing visitor taxes varying by season, region and length of stay. Such ‘outcome based pricing’ sends clear signals to the visitor market on when to visit and that a destination like New Zealand is serious about creating a year round, widely dispersed and well managed tourism industry.

References : See ‘Tourism Taxes by Design’ European report – What Taxes? & Mapping Taxes for details of regulatory design of visitor taxation and levies across Europe plus for more on Outcome Based Funding Models on page 95 of the ‘ Funding Futures” report .

8. Long Term Research & Measurement. Finally, New Zealand needs a sophisticated set of research and data tools to measure the performance of any tourism taxation and funding framework that is developed. This would assess results in implementing these taxes against the stated best practices – would update and inform stakeholders and would help review and refine each funding mechanisms based on real world outcomes. This should include undertaking far more thorough ‘foundation research’ – for example assessing the impact of taxation on visitor demand and analysing the full costs vs. benefits of tourism in New Zealand including the value of different types and mix of visitors.

• References : See a global high level review of the fuller costs of tourism ‘ The Hidden Burden of Tourism ’ (2019, Cornell University) and the ‘ The Impact of Taxes on the Competitiveness of European Tourism ’ (2017, PwC). The ‘ Tourism Taxes by Design ’ European report looked at 6 studies assessing the impact of tourism taxes on visitor demand and found at most such taxes have to have minimal impact – though more research is needed.

Final Note: Funding and taxation recommendations need to be reviewed and refined in consultation with all key stakeholders – whether in New Zealand or your destination. This includes consultation with central and local government, the various sectors of the tourism industry, with iwi and across communities. Some targeted research and analysis will likely be needed to inform this process. Strong consultation – supported by good quality analysis and research will ensure tourism taxation when implemented, is well designed and broadly supported.

Tourism needs adequate, sustainable and resilient funding. And this funding is needed now. Urgent action on tourism taxation and funding is urgently needed – both in New Zealand – and many other destinations around the world to ensure our industry can both recover quickly and “build back better”.

Additional Resources:  

• Funding for Tomorrow – Access the webinar and executive summary of the two reports including 10 international best practices here .
• Blog on “Funding for Tomorrow” – “ 10 international best practices in tourism taxation and funding from two major studies across both North America and Europe ”
• Funding Futures – North American study report – See an overview here and download the overall report or report sections .
• Tourism Taxes by Design – European study report – download full report here
• Reimagining New Zealand Tourism – Two Part Blog: “ Eight Essential Ways to Build Back Better ”

Written by Chris Adams

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Tourism minister announces $5m funding package.

The country's i-SITE visitor centres will receive a funding boost as borders reopen and they gear up for more international tourist and business traveller arrivals.

The country's i-SITE visitor centres will receive a $3 million funding boost. Photo:

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash announced the $5.125 million package today which would also support tourism trade show TRENZ and Regional Tourism New Zealand - the umbrella body for 31 regional tourism organisations.

It is funded from the $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy most international passengers pay.

"Our wider tourism sector is on the way to recovery. As visitor numbers scale up, our established tourism networks will receive new government support to maximise the opportunities for businesses, workers, and local communities," Nash said.

Close to $3m would go towards upgrading some i-SITEs, enhancing online services, and improving engagement with local history, culture and heritage attractions.

"The iconic i-SITE network with its distinctive green lettering was first established more than 30 years ago. Each visitor centre is locally owned and operated by travel experts in its community, giving them a unique home-grown flavour.

"Even in an increasingly digital world of travel bookings and itineraries, these official visitor centres are a core element of tourism infrastructure.

"They reinforce our international reputation for being good hosts and offering a friendly local welcome."

A further $1.55m would go towards TRENZ to ensure Aotearoa remained high on the radar of international travel agents and buyers, he said.

He hoped the funding for TRENZ 2023 and online platform TRENZ Connect would help to secure the future of the annual event.

"We're also supporting Regional Tourism New Zealand with $600,000 over two years to ensure the regions have strategically-focused destination management plans in place," Nash said.

"This investment allows them to continue to support 31 Regional Tourism Organisations to develop and implement destination management plans, and follows $47 million investment in RTOs during the past two years."

Stuart Nash said each visitor centre is locally owned and operated by travel experts in its community (file picture). Photo: Dom Thomas

New visitor visas would be issued from the end of July as the country reopened to the world.

"The resumption of international travel and new government trade missions overseas sends one message to the world: that New Zealand is open for tourism and business travel."

Nash said he would personally welcome new visitors touching down in Queenstown from Australia on Monday.

It marked the first direct international flight to the resort town in 330 days.

"The Qantas flight from Sydney means Queenstown officially becomes our fourth international airport, just in time for the winter ski season."

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said funding for TRENZ meant they could start planning next year's event with confidence.

The event usually brings hundreds of international travel buyers and media delegates together to meet with the country's tourism operators.

Overseas buyers have been unable to attend for the past three years due to the border restrictions.

"TRENZ is the tourism industry's moment to shine, she said.

"TRENZ was an integral part of New Zealand's tourism infrastructure prior to Covid-19, generating business and helping to directly grow the industry.

"Providing support for TRENZ directly enables our tourism recovery."

The event received support from the Regional Events Fund last year, which enabled them to create an online, seller-to-buyer business platform.

Ingram said the new funding would allow New Zealand sellers to continue to list on the TRENZ Connect platform for free.

She also welcomed the investment in the i-SITE network.

"The i-SITEs offer a warm welcome and practical support to our international visitors," Ingram said.

"This funding will ensure the network is fit for the future."

Copyright © 2022 , Radio New Zealand

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Arts For All Network

Creative spaces, arts in corrections, information hub, funding information.

This page provides a range of different types of funding sources you can apply to. It's aimed particularly at the individuals and organisations with whom Arts Access Aotearoa works: creative spaces, disabled artists, Arts in Corrections practitioners, and arts organisations seeking to improve their accessibility.

Each funder is different in terms of where, what, when and how it funds. Many funders also provide helpful resources you can use to help you prepare your application for funding. Other organisations provide lists of funding sources and the list below is not exhaustive. If you know of any other useful funding sources, please contact Arts Access Aotearoa (E: [email protected] ).

Lists of funding sources

Philanthropic trusts and foundations, gaming trusts, crowdfunding, in-kind sponsorship, local council funding.

• Government agencies  

Generosity New Zealand

This service provides information and a comprehensive list of funders. It includes GivUS, GivME and GivER. You normally need a paid subscription to access GivUs, GivMe and GivER but you can access them for free at most public libraries and Disability Information Centres. Some libraries have access to the databases on their websites and so you can log in from offsite if you are a library member. 

GivUS:  this database lists more than 1200 resource schemes for communities, volunteer organisations and clubs. You can search for a funder according to specific criteria such as region, type of cost and client group. GivME : this database offers access to more than 4,000 scholarships and grants for individuals.

GivER:   connects businesses with community groups to achieve positive social impacts. 

Community Foundations of New Zealand  

Community Foundations have been established throughout New Zealand, and each region has funds available for application by community groups (for example: The Women's Fund, Auckland Foundation's Grassroots Giving Programme and the North Shore Fund, or The South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund). Check their website for a Foundation branch near you.

Lottery Community Sector Research fund 

Applications for funding to support community organisations' research and evaluation can be submitted to Lottery Community Sector Research throughout the year, Committee meets quarterly.  For information on check their website  

These are listed on GivUS  and often have their own website. Do your homework first to ensure you’re eligible and that they fund costs you’re seeking funding for (e.g. some trusts don’t fund salaries).

Arts Foundation funding initiatives support artists’ careers

The Arts Foundation has three funding initiatives: Boosted LIVE ,  The Arts Foundation Future Fund and the Springboard programme . These initiatives provide opportunities for artists at a time when New Zealand’s creative sector needs urgent help, and New Zealanders need access to arts and culture more than ever. Boosted LIVE gives artists the opportunity to live stream their arts projects, and receive donations supporting them. The Arts Foundation Future Fund is a new initiative with the Foundation’s arts crowdfunding platform, Boosted. Projects that raise at least $1000 will be given a $1000 koha from the Future Fund. The inaugural Springboard programme has announced its six recipients for 2020. The artists are at a formative stage of their careers and receive the funding and mentorships they need to kick start a sustainable career in the arts. The press release is on the Arts Foundation website .

Arts Foundation Springboard programme

A new programme for the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, Springboard aims to kickstart arts careers for  up to ten artists in Aotearoa every year. Recipients are gifted $15,000, alongside a partnership with a senior artist mentor from the alumni of Arts Foundation Laureates, Icons, New Generation, residency or Fellowship recipients. Visit its website  for more information and deadlines.

IHC Foundation

The IHC Foundation works to ensure people with an intellectual disability are valued and active members of their communities. Originally setup in 1983 as part of  IHC NZ Inc ., the IHC Foundation was relaunched in 2007 as a separate charitable trust. It shares IHC's vision for better lives for people with intellectual disability and their families.  Funds can be applied for projects that benefit people with intellectual disability, not just those receiving IHC services. Visit its website  for more information and deadlines.

National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing promotes the interests of more than 880,000+ Deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders. The foundation’s trust was set up to invest legacies and investments given to it by the public. Trustees meet four times a year to decide how to distribute the money among the many applicants for scholarships, and grants for training and projects. Many of the grants are for Deaf and hearing impaired people but some funding is also available for people who work in hearing-related areas. Visit its website  for more information and deadlines.

Public Trust - Frozen Funds Charitable Trust

The purpose of the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust is to provide grants for projects run by, and for, people who use mental health or intellectual disability services.  A new funding theme is available in January of each year. Visit its website  for more information and deadlines.

These distribute a portion of the income they receive from pokie machines. They tend to distribute the funding into the area in which it was spent. The Department of Internal Affairs website has a list of gaming societies that invite grants from the public and also some helpful advice on applying for grants. These trusts are often the quickest way to access funding. Most are open to applications all year round, can fund a range of costs, have straightforward application forms, and will respond to your application within two or three months.

Get funding support for your project from members of the community by listing it on a crowdfunding website.

Boosted: supporting arts projects

Boosted is a philanthropic crowdfunding website set up by The Arts Foundation in 2013. It’s aimed at supporting arts projects in New Zealand. Donors to Boosted projects are eligible for tax rebates of 33 per cent of their donations.

Pledgeme is a New Zealand crowdfunding platform that supports the funding of creative projects.

The Funding Network NZ

The Funding Network NZ is a small national charity focused on strengthening the capacity of small New Zealand grassroots charities and inspiring generosity. It does this through its Generosity Generator online fundraising programme, aiming to teach charities how to plan, create and promote a crowdfunding campaign, and then provides them with a chance to practise those skills and raise vital funds in a 12-day crowdfunder on Givealittle.

The Generosity Generator embeds fundraising knowledge through practical application to help small charities build a solid foundation for a more financially sustainable future. Visit its website to learn more about the programme and dates for the next intake.

Business sponsorship

Businesses may provide in-kind goods or services. This is a way for them to fulfil their corporate social responsibility and maintain a positive image and presence in the community: for example, a website developer adapting your website to make it more accessible or a builder putting in a ramp. Do your homework before approaching businesses for in-kind support, and present a business case outlining the benefits for both parties. Acknowledging the sponsor publicly is usually one of these benefits.

Individual giving

Look to individuals in your local community to contribute to something that will benefit their community. Let them know what you are seeking donations for (e.g. a ramp to enable wheelchair access) and this may motivate them to donate.

Each city or district council has different funding schemes. Check out your council’s website and then talk to a funding advisor to find out what funding stream would best suit your purpose and criteria.

Creative Communities Scheme: arts at a local level

This scheme is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the 74 local authorities throughout New Zealand. It aims to increase participation in the arts at a local level, and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities. Local decision-making is the key to the scheme and applications are considered by local assessment committees. All New Zealanders (individuals, groups and organisations) are eligible to apply. For funding guidelines and further information about the scheme, visit the Creative NZ Creative Communities webpage  or contact your local council’s Creative Communities Scheme administrator .

Wellington City Council’s general grants

Wellington City Council’s general grants has four grant pools: Social, Cultural, Economic and Environmental. Only legally constituted groups (or groups under the umbrella of a legally constituted group) can apply. For more information on grants advice seminars, application criteria and closing dates for applications visit the Wellington City Council website . 

Government agencies

Some government departments and agencies offer funding.

Department of Internal Affairs

The Department of Internal Affairs has a range of funding streams, including Lottery, Crown and Trust grants. Information, advice and applications for these funds can be found on its website .

Creative New Zealand

Creative New Zealand, the national arts development agency, offers a range of grants. Information, advice about eligibility and applications can be found on its  website . Its website also has a page listing other funding and support available.

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage offers a range of funding with a focus on historical research support. Visit its website

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Discounts and donations, international examples, media and promotion, newsletters, new technologies, opportunities, useful links , our funders.

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• Booking a visit to Parliament - what you need to know

If you are coming to Parliament for a public tour, a school tour, a course for public servants or coming in to watch the House in action from the public gallery, this is the key information you need for booking your visit.

You are welcome to visit our Visitor Centre , Te Papakura (our art gallery) , and the grounds of Parliament without a booking. We recommend booking for our public tours in order to guarantee your place on the tour slot you prefer.

Bookings are required for educational groups of any size.

Terms & Conditions for Online Bookings

• Please ensure you have selected the correct date and time when booking for your tour. Once confirmed, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you on a tour at a different time.
• If you are unable to attend the date or time for the tour you have booked, you can amend or cancel your booking by using the booking portal, or by clicking the link in the confirmation email you received. You can also or amend or cancel by contacting our front desk on 04 817 9503 or by emailing [email protected] .
• Please bring your booking confirmation with you on the day of your visit, as you will need to present this at the tour desk to be checked in for your tour. You may bring a printed or electronic copy.
• Ticketed events, such as special tours or talks are only valid for the date, time, and activity shown on your booking confirmation
• Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18, and we require at least one adult for each four children in a group while visiting Parliament.
• When booking for access on public tours, you are booking a space on a tour with other members of the public. If you wish to experience a private tour of Parliament with your group, please contact our Tour Desk on 04 817 9503 or by emailing [email protected] .
• New Zealand Parliament | Pāremata Aotearoa reserves the right to refuse entry or ask visitors to leave the building at any time, in accordance with our Security and Health and Safety Policies. We ask that all visitors comply with any instructions from Parliament staff, and we may ask visitors to leave if they do not.
• We collect personal information about you when you make a tour booking, such as your name, address, and contact details. We will store the data you supply securely and use it for the purposes of processing your booking, which may include us contacting you to advise on any situation which may directly affect your visit
• We will keep your personal information regarding your booking for one year, after which it will be deleted
• Photography is permitted for private use only, and only in stated areas, which Parliament reserves the right to change at short notice or without prior warning. For information about the areas within Parliament where photography is permitted, please refer to the Visit page on our website, or the FAQs .

Book a tour using our online booking system

All of our tours are available to book online. You can find information about each tour on our Guided Tours page , as well as links to book for each one using our online booking system.

FAQs for Online Bookings

How do i get in contact with you.

You can contact our Visitor Desk on 04 817 9503, or by emailing [email protected] . If you wish to get in touch with another area of Parliament, you can call 0800 7273 6282 or email [email protected] .

How do I know my booking is confirmed?

Once you have made your booking you will receive an email with your booking confirmation, you may need to check your spam folder. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact [email protected] with your name and the tour date and time you have booked for.

I can’t print my booking confirmation at home, what do I do?

Not a problem! You are welcome to bring an electronic version of your booking confirmation on a phone or tablet.

• If you are unable to attend the date or time for the tour you have booked, you can amend or cancel your booking contacting our Education Team at [email protected] or 04 817 9565.
• Primary groups must be accompanied by at least two adults
• New Zealand Parliament | Pāremata Aotearoa reserves the right to refuse entry or ask visitors to leave the building at any time, in accordance with our Risk Assessment Management policy . We ask that all visitors comply with any instructions from Parliament staff, and we may ask visitors to leave if they do not.
• Photography is permitted for private use only, and only in stated areas, which Parliament reserves the right to change at short notice or without prior warning. For information about the areas within Parliament where photography is permitted, please refer to the visit page on our website, or the FAQs

How do I book an education visit?

To book a visit please visit our Online Booking Portal

For more information contact us via   [email protected] 

If you wish to get in touch with another area of Parliament, you can call 0800 7273 6282 or email [email protected] .

Once you have made your booking you will receive an email with your booking confirmation, you may need to check your spam folder. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact [email protected] with your name and the tour date and time you have booked for.

• Public servant seminar spaces are limited. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
• Please ensure you have selected the correct date when registering for a seminar. Once confirmed, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you on a different date.
• If you are unable to attend the seminar date you have registered, you can amend or cancel your registration by using the booking portal, or by clicking the link in the confirmation email you received. You can also or amend or cancel by contacting our Education Team at  [email protected]  or 04 817 9565.
• New Zealand Parliament | Pāremata Aotearoa reserves the right to refuse entry or ask visitors to leave the building at any time, in accordance with our Security and Health & Safety policies. We ask that all visitors comply with any instructions from Parliament staff, and we may ask visitors to leave if they do not.
• We collect personal information about you when you register for a seminar, such as your name, address, agency and contact details. We will store the data you supply securely and use it for the purposes of processing your registration, which may include us contacting you to advise on any situation which may directly affect your registration.
• We will keep your personal information regarding your registration for one year, after which it will be deleted
• Photography is permitted for private use only, and only in stated areas, which Parliament reserves the right to change at short notice or without prior warning. For information about the areas within Parliament where photography is permitted, please refer to the visit page on our website, or the FAQs.

You can contact our Education Team on 04 817 9565, or by emailing  [email protected] . If you wish to get in touch with another area of Parliament, you can call 0800 7273 6282 or email  [email protected] .

How do I know my registration is confirmed?

Once you have registered you will receive an email with a confirmation, you may need to check your spam folder. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact  [email protected]  with your name and date of the seminar you registered for.

Do I have to book to visit the public gallery?

The public galleries of the debating chamber are open to the public at any time when the House is sitting. From the public galleries, you can watch the MPs as they answer questions, debate the issues of the day, and vote on legislation.  The sitting programme lets you know if Parliament is meeting at the time of your visit. If you would like to watch from the public galleries, we recommend booking your spot, which you can do here. You may be able to access the gallery without a booking, however we cannot guarantee access.

If you are booked on an Education Visit while the House a visit to the gallery will be included. You can also book to sit in the public gallery outside your booked Education Visit time.

The public galleries are located above and to either side of the floor of the debating chamber. The gallery behind the Speaker is reserved for members of the press. Members of the public may be able to access the Speaker’s gallery at times.

How do I get to Parliament?

Parliament is within 10 minutes walking distance of the Wellington Railway Station and bus stops on Lambton Quay and Molesworth Street. The main entrance into Parliament is located between the Beehive and Parliament House. Once you clear security screening, you will directly enter into the Visitor Centre.

Is there parking available?

There is no parking on the Parliamentary grounds.

Metered parking is available for up to two hours on Molesworth Street and on the side streets around the Parliamentary grounds. 

Visitors with mobility access requirements may be set down on the forecourt. The driver must remove the vehicle from the forecourt as soon as the drop-off or pick-up is complete. Bollards are in place around Parliamentary buildings. To gain access to the forecourt you must contact security by pressing the intercom button.

You can arrange an accessible carpark for a public tour by phoning us on (04) 817-9503.

You can arrange an accessible carpark for an education visit by phoning us on (04) 817-9565.

Do I have to go through security screening?

All visitors to Parliament Buildings are required to undergo screening. The screening process provided by the Parliamentary Service Security Team helps maintain a safe and protected environment.

If you require any assistance with the security screening process, please ask one of our Security Officers for assistance.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about the security screening process, please contact the Operational Security Team Leader on 04 817 9462.

Are the tours/Visitor Centre accessible?

All tours are accessible to visitors using a wheelchair or with a buggy.

Tours with an NZSL tour guide can be arranged with 7 days advance notice and will be dependent on the tour guides availability.

If you have accessibility requirements, please email [email protected] or call 04 817 9503 to discuss with our friendly team.

If you are booked on an educational tours and you have accessibility requirements, please email [email protected] or call 04 817 9565 to discuss with our friendly team.

Do you have wifi?

Free public Wi-Fi is also available in the Visitor Centre. To enjoy this service, please select the network called ‘Parliament Free’. No password or other information is required to connect.

Key contacts

If you have further questions about booking a public tour a visit to the public gallery please contact the Visitor Centre on  [email protected] or call 04 817 9503.

If you have further questions about booking an education tour or a place on a course of public servants please contact the Education Team on  [email protected] or 04 817 9565.

Related links

• Planning your visit
• Guided tours
• Public Gallery
• Education Programmes
• Public servants and special interest groups
• Use this link to book a Highlights of Parliament Tour, Introduction to Parliament Tour, Art Tour, or Kids in the House Tour
• Share on Facebook
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• Educators and students
• How Parliament works
• History and buildings
• Parliament in Election Year
• MPs and parliaments, 1854 onwards
• Speaker's Outreach Programme
• Parliament on RNZ
• Parliament webinars
• Resources about New Zealand Parliament
• Parliament Quiz Archive
• Events at Parliament

Five things to know: Ryan Fox

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New Zealand’s Ryan Fox is highly regarded across the world of professional golf.

This week, the greater world might get to know him, too.

Fox stormed into the early Masters lead with an opening nine of 5-under 31 at Augusta National Golf Club, in his second Masters start after finishing T26 a year ago. Fox qualified for this year’s Masters via the top 50 on the 2023 year-end Official World Golf Ranking.

Fox, 37, began the week with just three made cuts in eight TOUR starts this season, no finish better than T35, but he’s having little trouble so far at Augusta National.

Here are five things to know about Fox.

1. His dad is a rugby legend.

Fox is the son of Grant Fox, a member of the famed All Blacks team that won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. That year, Grant Fox set the world record for most points scored in a Rugby World Cup tournament. It doesn’t stop there, as Fox’s grandpa Merv Wallace (his mom’s dad) was a renowned cricketer on the New Zealand national team, described by one obituary as “one of the best batsmen New Zealand has ever produced,” per CNN.

2. Golf wasn’t his first love.

As per family heritage, cricket and rugby were Fox’s first sports as a young New Zealander, although he enjoyed hitting golf balls around the backyard as an elementary schooler. His grandpa Merv Wallace crafted his first set of clubs from wood, and he steadily fell in love with the sport through his teenage years. “I’d always wanted to be a professional sportsman,” Fox told CNN. “It just took a fair while to figure out what sport it was going to be.”

3. He’s a two-time Olympian.

Fox represented New Zealand in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Men’s Golf Competition, joining his dad and grandpa in representing their home country in international sporting competition. “It was a pretty cool achievement … I think Dad was pretty chuffed when he could say that,” Fox told PGATOUR.COM. He hopes to make it a third straight Olympics, with this year’s golf competition to be played at Le Golf National, a regular French Open venue where he has competed several times.

4. He earned dual PGA TOUR membership via the DP World Tour

Fox has achieved great success across the globe, including four DP World Tour titles and three on the PGA Tour of Australasia, but this is his first season as a PGA TOUR member. He earned his card via the 2023 DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai, as No. 2 on the season-long standings (not otherwise exempt on TOUR).

5. He’s a family man.

Fox and wife Anneke have two daughters, Isobel and Margot, and the Foxes enjoyed family time at Wednesday’s Masters Par 3 Contest. They weren’t on hand for his Masters debut last year (when Fox’s dad caddied in the Par 3 Contest), making this year even more special.

Kevin Prise is an associate editor for the PGA TOUR. He is on a lifelong quest to break 80 on a course that exceeds 6,000 yards and to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl. Follow Kevin Prise on Twitter .

How to Watch the 2024 Masters Live Online

The first major stop on the PGA Tour kicks off Thursday morning.

By Anna Tingley

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The 2024 Masters tees off today. Many of the best golfers in the country — 88 of them to be exact — will meet at the Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first major stop on the PGA Tour .

The 2024 Masters kicks off on Thursday, Apr. 11 and will run through Sunday, Apr. 14. While there will be around 40,000 people in Augusta to see the anticipated tournament in person, there are also plenty of ways to watch the event live from home. The 2024 Masters will broadcast live across CBS and ESPN.

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All eyes will be on Scottie Scheffler, who is looking to gain his second green jacket this week. He’s inarguably the best golfer on the green this week, having only lost to one golfer in the last three tournaments. That being said, there’s always a possibility that Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele (who will both play with Scheffler in the first two rounds) could push the No. 1 aside. Jordan Spieth, looking for a fourth major and second green jacket, also stands a chance.

Check out the full 2024 Masters schedule below, and stream the full tournament on Paramount+.

Thursday, Apr. 11:

• Holes 4,5 and 6: 8:45 a.m. (ESPN+)
• Featured Groups: 9:15 a.m. (ESPN+, Paramount+)
• Amen Corner: 10:45 a.m. (ESPN+, Paramount+)
• Holes 15 and 16: 11:45 a.m. (ESPN+, Paramount+)
• Welcome to The Masters: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (ESPN)
• First-round coverage: 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday, Apr. 12:

• Second-round coverage: 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Apr. 13:

• Holes 4,5 and 6: 10:15 a.m. (ESPN+)
• Featured Groups: 10:30 a.m. (ESPN+, Paramount+)
• Amen Corner: 11:45 a.m. (ESPN+, Paramount+)
• Holes 15 and 16: 12:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
• The Masters on CBS: 3-7 p.m. (CBS)

Sunday, Apr. 14 :

• Amen Corner: 11:45 a.m. (ESPN+, Paramount+
• The Masters on CBS: 2-7 p.m. (CBS)

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New Zealand vs England: Itinerary for 2024 Test tour confirms matches in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton

The dates and venues for England's three-match Test tour of New Zealand were confirmed on Tuesday; Christchurch hosts the opener from November 28-December 2, Wellington follows from December 6-10, before the series concludes in Hamilton from December 14-18

Tuesday 9 April 2024 08:07, UK

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The release of the itinerary for England's Test tour of New Zealand later this year has confirmed Ben Stokes' side will play matches in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.

Hagley Oval, the Cello Basin Reserve, and Seddon Park were on Tuesday confirmed as the venues for the three-match series.

Christchurch hosts the opening match from November 28-December 2, Wellington follows from December 6-10, before the series concludes in Hamilton from December 14-18.

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New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said there were already indications that the three matches against Brendon McCullum's team would attract the same sort of bumper attendances witnessed for the two home tests against Australia in February and March.

"In the past, there's often been a lot of talk in New Zealand about the popularity of Test cricket - without that translating into ticket sales or viewership numbers," he said.

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"The difference over the past summer, and in terms of the upcoming tests against England, is that the interest is being converted to bums on seats and is driving record viewership numbers."

England host West Indies in July before Sri Lanka visit across August and September during a summer where attention may be more focused on limited-overs cricket.

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The T20 World Cup takes place in the West Indies and United States in June, while England also have a five-match ODI series against Australia in September.

England are currently last in the World Test Championship table following a 4-1 series defeat to India at the start of the year.

Having won just three of their 10 matches since the 2023-25 edition of the competition began, England require a major turnaround to have a chance of reaching next year's final at Lord's.

Watch every match from 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup this June, live on Sky Sports, as well as England's preceding T20 series against Pakistan. You can also stream the action with NOW.

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Opinion: Pharmac’s funding gap leaves New Zealand babies vulnerable to RSV

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Winter is coming, and with it the spectre of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) looms large for our youngest and most vulnerable children. Yet despite the availability of preventive measures, New Zealand’s Pharmac has fallen short in adequately safeguarding our babies against this potentially devastating illness. The recent decision not to fund palivizumab, coupled with the absence of nirsevimab , leaves our infants exposed to unnecessary risks. Meanwhile, Western Australia, following the US and Europe, has taken a proactive stance, providing nirsevimab to all babies. It’s time for New Zealand to also prioritise the health of its youngest population.

RSV is no ordinary virus . It causes bronchiolitis, which is responsible for 40 per cent of all hospitalisations in children under 5 years old. Babies born very preterm or with congenital heart disease face even graver consequences, often requiring prolonged stays in intensive care units. Māori or Pasifika children are more likely to be affected, worsening health inequities.

There are several options to protect babies against RSV, including palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody that has been a stalwart defence against severe RSV illness in other high-income countries. Routinely used in Australia, Europe and the US, it has been licenced in New Zealand since 2000. Having funded palivizumab from 2021 to 2023, Pharmac has now decided to stop funding it due to budgetary constraints, a move that will increase the number of vulnerable babies admitted to intensive care. The newer option of nirsevimab, a promising long-acting monoclonal antibody, remains conspicuously absent from our arsenal. While Western Australia is taking a proactive approach by providing nirsevimab to all babies, not just those at a high level of risk, New Zealand lags behind. Maternal vaccines against RSV are also available in the US and Europe and need to be available in New Zealand. The fast-track licencing of medications for NZ when approved by overseas regulatory bodies such as the FDA and TGA is a priority. The availability of these measures could significantly reduce RSV-related hospitalisations and complications.

RSV primarily strikes during winter, causing respiratory infections in children, especially those under 2 years old. Unfortunately, there is no specific medication to treat RSV - supportive care, hydration, oxygen, and sometimes intensive respiratory support are the best countermeasures we can offer. But for high-risk groups, who have already had a huge investment in their neonatal care, such as pre-term infants and those with congenital heart disease, severe or repeated RSV infections can lead to long-term lung damage and chronic conditions such as asthma and bronchiectasis. They often face rehospitalisation within their first year of life due to RSV-related respiratory illnesses. Intensive care admissions, sometimes spanning weeks, become a grim reality.

Pharmac must urgently reconsider its stance on protecting our infants from RSV. The recent temporary funding during the 2021 RSV season was a step in the right direction, but it falls short. We need sustained funding to protect our high-risk infants for this winter and beyond. New Zealand should follow Western Australia’s lead and explore funding nirsevimab, and explore future vaccine options as they become available. By doing so, we can enhance our defence against RSV and reduce the burden on our healthcare system.

As winter approaches, let us prioritise our babies’ health. Pharmac’s decisions today will shape their tomorrows. By bridging the funding gap and embracing innovative solutions, we can shield our youngest citizens from the harsh grip of RSV. It’s time to act, for their sake and for New Zealand’s future.

Associate Professor Jane Alsweiler is the deputy head of the School of Medicine at the University of Auckland.

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About the programme

Eligibility self-assessment tool, stream one: discovery, stream two: development, programme funding recipients.

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Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery

The Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery is a contestable fund for projects that will have meaningful impact across the tourism system.

On this page

$30 million from the programme has been reprioritised. This leaves $9.939 million for Stream Two funding. All Stream Two applications will now be assessed together after the closing date. 

The final closing date for Stream Two full applications is still 15 December 2023. Funding decisions will be made in the first quarter of 2024.

Stream Two expressions of interest closed on 1 September 2023.

Stream One closed on 3 May 2023.

In this section

This page has information about who can apply, the application process, key dates, webinars, and where to find more information.

Use this self-assessment tool to determine if you are eligible to apply for funding from the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

Applications for Stream One have closed

Stream Two has up to $9.939 million available for allocation. Expressions of Interest closed on 1 September 2023. Full Applications must be received by 15 December 2023.

Successful applicants of the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery Programme with confirmed funding agreements will be announced here.

© Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/innovation-programme-for-tourism-recovery/ Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.