City community groups are invited to apply for the council funding that last year brought the Wonderland Festival and House of Cards exhibition in the city centre, the Welcome Bay Family Music Festival in Welcome Bay and Twelfth Night at the Historic Village to the city.

Last year's round of Tauranga City Council's Community Events fund was a huge success, with 10 funded events adding to the city's annual events calendar, says event design and delivery manager at Tauranga City Council, Michaela Blackman.

Community event applications are being invited.

Ten community events were brought to the city by the $50,000 fund.The next funding round is now open until June 10.

Community groups can apply for grants of up to $3000 and up to $15,000 for events that focus on social good, community spirit and enhance liveability in Tauranga.

Youth-focused events and seasonality are key factors that will be addressed through this year's fund.

'We have updated the criteria and eligibility to attract a broad range of events into the city. The 2016/17 Community Event Fund is focused on events addressing seasonality and we are particularly looking for events which occur from July to October 2016 and April to June 2017, and make use of the whole city,” says Michaela.

'Additionally we are also looking to fund events that are held in all parts of our city to encourage vibrancy and community activity around town.

'If you have an amazing community event in mind and need the financial backing to get it up and running, check Tauranga City Council's Community Event Fund webpage, make sure that you've got everything ready and that you're eligible, and off you go.”

The Community Events Fund is available for events connecting the community, celebrating our diversity, using the city's beautiful surroundings and being environmentally responsible, says Mayor Stuart Crosby.

'Tauranga City Council is committed to support a vibrant events environment in Tauranga. The Community Event Fund is an annual fund of $50,000 and has been established to assist with this,” says Stuart.

For more information and application forms, visit or call Michaela Blackman on 577 7000. Applications close on Friday, June 10, at 5pm.