Should the Council continue to fund and run events?
Events play a vital role in community and economic well-being, bringing the Gore community together to celebrate and unite. They showcase what Gore has to offer to the community as well as to people from outside the District, promoting a sense of identity and pride. They also bring in vital revenue to local hospitality businesses. In 2021, the Council adopted an event strategy and action plan with the vision “to provide city events in a rural environment”. The strategy outlines the Council's role as a key organiser, funder, partner, and promoter of events within the Gore District.
As a part of this strategy, the Council agreed to organise and run six annual events to unite people, celebrate our culture, and encourage people to visit the District. To make these events accessible and equitable for all, there are no costs associated with attending.
The value of Events isn’t directly tied to the percentage of rates people pay. In staging these Events the team relies heavily on sponsorship and funding, as well as discounted services from providers, meaning the community benefits more from the events than is demonstrated through actual spend.
The events the Council currently organises are:
On the Fly – Mataura River Festival, February
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Celebrating Gore’s reputation as the World Capital of Brown Trout Fishing, this festival on the banks of the Mataura River offers fishing demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and food vendors. It highlights Gore’s natural environment and attracts fishing enthusiasts from near and far.
Parks Week, March
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Parks Week encourages families to explore Gore’s Parks as part of a nationwide initiative. It promotes outdoor recreation, highlights the District’s beautiful green spaces, and provides an opportunity for family fun and community connection.
Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking, May
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Held during the Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival, this three-day event transforms Gore’s streets into a stage for musicians of all ages. It supports amateur and professional artists, celebrates local music and attracts visitors to our Main Street, benefiting local businesses and festivalgoers alike.
Kāhui Whetū, June
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This family-friendly event lights up the Gore Gardens to mark the Māori New Year. Featuring light displays, activities, and delicious kai, it brings people together to celebrate Matariki, deepens connections to Māori culture, and attracts visitors from all over Southland and Otago.
MVM Hokonui Culture Feast, October
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This festival of food, music and culture celebrates the diversity of our community. It provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where newcomers and long-time residents connect over shared cultural experiences, food and dance.
Santa Parade and Christmas Carnival, December
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The Santa Parade brings the community together with festive floats created by local groups, schools, and businesses. Following the parade, a carnival in the park offers food, live entertainment, and activities, creating a magical day for families and visitors.
Events Sponsorship, promotion and support
Along with running events, our Events Team also promotes and supports community events with in-kind assistance. This includes promoting events in the region, providing advice for community groups running their own events, and assisting groups with event funding applications.
The Council also provides sponsorship, funding, and support to a range of other community events, including the Gore Rhododendron Festival, the SBS Tour of Southland, Tussock Country, Waimumu Matariki festivities, Gold Guitars, the Hokonui Fashion Awards, and Country Music and Songwriters.
What are the options?
We are asking you, which of the following options we should choose.
Option one: The Council will no longer run or fun events.Removing the events function of The Council would save $334,763, or 0.99% of rates. For the average Gore Residential household this would be a saving of $0.95 cents per week. | Option two: The council will continue to run and sponsor events. (preferred option) |
| Pros Rates Saving Cons Potential loss of events currently run by Council as they will rely on volunteers within the community stepping up to run these events There is no guarantee these events will remain free if they continue Reduced ability for the Council to support community-run events through promotional support, event coordinator support and funding application support Decrease in the level of service provided to the community Community events that rely on a portion of their funding from the Council will need to either source this funding from elsewhere or reduce the size of their event | Pros Gore District’s key events continue to receive support from the Council Events remain free, making them accessible to all members of the community Provides opportunities for people from outside the district to visit, boosting the local economy Supports the vision of Gore being the events capital of Southland Aligns with community well-being goals Community groups continue to have the Council as a resource to help with running their events Cons Associated operating costs that equate to around 0.99% of rates a year |
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