More than 3,500 people are expected to visit Coastella this weekend, pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

Now in its fourth year, the indie music festival is attracting national and international attention. Hosted at Southwards, the family-friendly festival runs on the 23rd and 24th of February.

Paul Brown, the founder of Coastella, says the festival draws in many visitors to Kāpiti.

“Last year, it’s estimated more than $600,000 went back into the local economy. Nearly 70 per cent of people visiting Coastella come from outside of Kāpiti, with 17 per cent outside of the Wellington region - meaning they’re travelling from other parts of New Zealand or internationally.”

Where they can, Paul Brown says they choose to work with locals.

“From Air Chathams, accommodation and transport providers to logistics, printing and signage, cleaning, food and beverage providers and employees we couldn’t run the festival without them,” says Paul Brown.

Air Chathams is a new major sponsor of the event and says apart from the Chatham Island Festival; it’s the first time they’ve been involved with an event of this scale. Duane Emeny, General Manager of the airline, says they’re excited to support it.

“While Coastella is a local event, it brings in many visitors from outside the region to the beautiful Kāpiti Coast. We’d love to show more people, especially those from Auckland, why this is such an amazing part of New Zealand, and get them to visit again.”

Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, says events like Coastella are vital in growing the economy and stamping Kāpiti’s mark as a tourist destination.

“Having large-scale events like this give people a reason to visit Kāpiti, and hopefully return. They also support the many local businesses on our Coast from Paekakariki to Otaki. We are hugely supportive of Coastella and what it does for the local community.

“We want to encourage all of our local businesses to get in behind and support this local event and roll out the welcome mat for visitors this weekend.”

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300 members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain knowledge and support from our local membership.

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