In 2025–26, 16 applications received a total of $67,000 through the Sponsorship Fund. Grants ranged from $900 to $10,000.
59th Manawatū International Jazz & Blues Festival 2026 – $5,100
Successful applicant: Manawatū Jazz Club Incorporated
A music festival featuring local, national and international jazz and blues performers. Public concerts, secondary school competitions, educational workshops and performances in cafés and bars provide opportunities for young musicians and bring visitors into the city.
Bikes and Backroads NZ National HOG Rally – $6,000
Successful applicant: Central Districts HOG Chapter
A national gathering of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts featuring organised rides, entertainment and social activities. The rally brings riders from New Zealand and overseas to explore the region, supports local businesses and raises funds for hospice and rescue helicopter services.
Central Districts Woodworking Expo – $2,800
Successful applicant: Manawatū Woodworkers Guild Incorporated
A public exhibition celebrating artistry in wood through displays, demonstrations and retail stalls. Activities include Japanese and Māori woodcraft, woodturning, scroll sawing and pyrography, alongside the Golden Chisel competition attracting woodturners from across New Zealand.
City of Palmerston North Festival of Racing – $1,200
Successful applicant: Racing at Awapuni and Trentham Combined Enterprises Incorporated
A celebration of thoroughbred and harness racing that brings racing communities together. The event attracts visiting owners, trainers and supporters, supporting local hospitality and accommodation providers.
Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games – $10,000
Successful applicant: NZ Rural Games Trust
A celebration of New Zealand’s rural sports and heritage, bringing urban and rural communities together in Te Marae o Hine – The Square. The event attracts competitors and spectators, with television coverage showcasing Palmerston North and the wider region to national audiences.
Harmony Manawatū Sweet Adelines Convention – $2,500
Successful applicant: Manawatū Overtones
A national singing convention featuring women’s choruses and quartets performing four-part barbershop harmony. Public competitions bring singers, supporters and visitors from across New Zealand to Palmerston North for several days of performance and connection.
Hui-ā-Tau 2025 Te Whiri Kōkō – $2,500
Successful applicant: Irirangi Gerretzen — Te Whiri Kōkō Resource Teachers for Learning and Behaviour
A national hui at Massey University bringing together Resource Teachers for Learning and Behaviour working in Māori medium education. The programme supports knowledge sharing, professional development and learning about Rangitāne history and significant local sites.
Manawatū Innovation Showcase – $2,200
Successful applicant: The Factory NZ
An event connecting entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, students and business leaders. Presentations from local innovators and networking opportunities showcase the region’s ideas and technologies, helping attract investment and build connections that support business growth.
Massey Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Science Awards – $900
Successful applicant: Massey University
An annual awards dinner celebrating outstanding students in agriculture, horticulture and environmental science. The event connects students with industry representatives, providing opportunities for networking, recruitment and recognition of emerging talent in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
National Mustang Convention – $8,000
Successful applicant: Manawatū Mustang Owners Club Incorporated Society
A national gathering celebrating the heritage and culture of the Ford Mustang. The convention brings owners and enthusiasts together through vehicle displays, a public car show and social activities.
New Zealand Premiere of Not Only Fred Dagg but Also John Clarke – $3,000
Successful applicant: Earles Creativity & Development Trust
The New Zealand premiere of a documentary celebrating Palmerston North-born satirist John Clarke. A reception at Te Manawa and public screening recognise his life, cultural contribution and enduring connection to the city.
New Zealand Red Dairy Cow Conference 2026 – $1,000
Successful applicant: New Zealand Red Dairy Cow Conference 2026
An international gathering of dairy farmers, breeders, researchers and industry leaders focused on red dairy breeds. The Palmerston North conference programme includes technical presentations and a gala dinner, supporting knowledge sharing and showcasing the region’s agricultural research expertise.
NZ Bridge National Congress – $10,000
Successful applicant: NZ Bridge National Congress
An eight-day national championship bringing together bridge players from across New Zealand and overseas. The programme offers competitions for players ranging from novices to grand masters, attracting visitors to Palmerston North and supporting local accommodation, hospitality and businesses.
NZ Eagles Society 59th National Convention 2026 – $2,300
Successful applicant: Manawatū Whanganui Eagles Golfing Society Conference Committee
A national convention bringing Eagles golfers and their partners to Palmerston North for an annual general meeting, golf and social activities. Members support the Halberg Trust’s work enabling young people with disabilities to participate in sport.
Super 6s Golf Event – $8,000
Successful applicant: Manawatū Golf Club Incorporated
A golf tournament attracting players from New Zealand and Australasia, with men and women competing for the same title. The programme also includes junior and inclusive participation activities.
Te Kaunihera o ngā Nēhi Māori Hui-ā-Tau – $1,500
Successful applicant: Te Kaunihera o ngā Nēhi Māori
A national hui bringing Māori nurses together to celebrate leadership, innovation and excellence in nursing practice. The programme supports professional connections, knowledge sharing and improved hauora Māori outcomes.