Media release
21 June 2016
Investment helps Rotorua become the home of New Zealand’s first mud festival

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment today announced that $1.5 million will be invested in the annual Rotorua Lakes Council mud festival through the Major Events Development Fund.

Devorah Blumberg, Manager of Major Events at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says Rotorua is renowned for its spa, health and wellness offerings and this innovative, cultural event will serve as a launch pad for international promotion.

“The first Rotorua mud festival event is scheduled to take place in December 2017. This investment will help seed the event’s growth over its first five years,” says Ms Blumberg.

“The festival concept was inspired by the South Korean Boryeong Mud Festival, which has attracted a large following of millions. The Rotorua mud festival will leverage Rotorua’s extraordinary natural resources and will include a mud-arena, spa and wellness experiences, as well as education and historical story-telling.

“Inviting the world to immerse themselves in geothermal mud is a unique opportunity to showcase Rotorua’s distinctive volcanic and geothermal environment to an international audience.

“Over time, the event is forecast to attract a significant number of domestic and international attendees, which will generate strong economic returns for both Rotorua and New Zealand,” says Ms Blumberg.

The Government invests, through the Major Events Development Fund, in major events that generate significant immediate and long-term benefits to New Zealand.

[ends]

© Scoop Media