Queenstown's "essential" Summerdaze Festival has been confirmed to return for the next three years, subject to approval in the 2011-12 Queenstown Lakes District Council Annual Plan.
The council's community services committee yesterday unanimously praised the success of the festival, which has been running for seven years and starts with New Year celebrations in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Committee chairwoman Cath Gilmour said although the council was cutting back on funding, she agreed with other committee members that the festival events were important for the community and tourists alike.
"We are stripping funding back, but we don't need to cut to the bone," she said.
Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said the festival had changed New Year in Queenstown and Wanaka from being "a very loose event" to something that provided enjoyable and safe celebrations which attracted visitors.
However, councillor Jude Battson said the issue of drunk teenagers at the New Year celebrations was still a concern.
Mrs Maxwell assured her that organisers would be working with police, community wardens, and youth workers to "keep it safe and enjoyable for everybody".
She said they would continue to add a new event to the festival every year, as well as highlighting established events, such as the Lake Hayes A and P Show and Challenge Wanaka triathlon.
Subject to confirmation inthe annual plan, the festival tender will be advertisedand a contractor will be appointed for the next three years.
