Abstract
The objectives for this research project were to examine the quality and type of support offered to community events through a case study of two neighbouring councils in the North Island of New Zealand; and to determine the impacts of events staged in the communities of both councils, including their influence on social capital building.
 The study found that both councils are supportive of the delivery of events by both council and non-council event organisers. The councils are providing human, financial and physical capital to enable the output of events. Event impacts – specifically social and economic impacts – were considered to be positive in nature.
 However, there is scope for greater strategic planning around community event delivery both by individual authorities and collaboratively, including the establishment of formal monitoring and evaluation systems. There is also scope to incorporate key lessons in regard to good practice, as identified by this study.
Highlights
Introduction and objectivesCommunity events such as festivals, fairs and sporting events are frequently staged in cities and towns across New Zealand
There are variations between councils as to the input and investment made in community events, which this research project aims to explore through a case study methodology comparing two neighbouring councils
The discussion is presented in sections aligning with the findings themes, concluding with a comparison of the councils’ support for community events, and key lessons for local government
Summary
Community events such as festivals, fairs and sporting events are frequently staged in cities and towns across New Zealand. Local councils play a key role in ensuring community events are organised, supported and facilitated, be it through providing venues, funding, advice or access to resources; or by taking on event management responsibilities to deliver a publicly accessible event. Local governments are known to develop event strategies that include a portfolio of events (O’Toole 2011), ranging in scope and scale. In New Zealand, local councils embed community events in their. Local government and community events in New Zealand day-to-day operations. There are variations between councils as to the input and investment made in community events, which this research project aims to explore through a case study methodology comparing two neighbouring councils
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