NZEA Events Update - May 2017

EventsUpdate MAY 2017 NZAEP IS NOW NZEA — See page 2

editorial@nzaep.co.nz ­— New Zealand Events Association, c/o P O Box 3798, Auckland 1140 ISSN 1179-3678 — Subscription is a member exclusive benefit — contact info@nzaep.co.nz for details

AUCKLAND TURNS IT ON FOR DHL LIONS— See page 4

NZ MAJOR EVENTS SCHOLARSHIP — See page 9

FROM THE CHAIR

Name Change Passes Unanimously Looking at this edition of your Event’s Update cover you will see as a result of a unanimous vote at last week’s Special General Meeting our organisation’s name has changed, albeit just slightly, from New Zealand Association of Events Professionals (NZAEP) to New Zealand Events Association (NZEA).

The Association was formed more than a decade ago, since then our industry and our membership has grown exponentially. At 1100 members upwards now, the Association represents the ever-increasing breadth of the New Zealand events industry more than ever before.

We champion all aspects of events; their economic outcomes and social benefits, and the people who work and volunteer in and around this unique industry in New Zealand

We feel the new streamlined variation of our organisation name reflects our both our members and the everchanging face of our dynamic events sector in New Zealand.

And it does this clearly and simply.

As you will see from our new logo, we are not undertaking a complete rebrand, just a small alteration. Changes in terms of our website and other collateral will be managed on an ongoing basis with touch points being updated as required or as BAU activities are scheduled.

Subsequently the costs for us to have actioned this change are very minimal.

Last week was an exciting week not just as a result of the SGM vote but also due to the fact our Regional Representatives, from all around New Zealand, gathered together in Auckland.

I was fortunate enough to attend the half day workshop with our Reps as we discussed and considered how we could all best serve our members nationally while deliberating over topics of relevance and importance to the industry. It was a room full of passionate individuals with some inspiring and valuable ideas which we look forward to rolling out over the coming year to you. Once again, I would like to thank our Representatives for their commitment and enthusiasm, not just to participate on the day but to serve in this vital role over the coming years.

Looking forward to the coming months we’re also now on count down for the Awards applications opening next month and I would just like to highlight again a new category, the Best Business Event of the Year. Upon reflection of last year’s Awards, the Board

thought it was vital we introduced it this year. We wanted an opportunity to celebrate those of you who deliver everything B2B of varying scale – this could be a Conference, Incentive group, Travel programme, Tradeshow or another B2B styled activity.

We strongly urge those of you who are eligible to consider their application, or if you know of colleague that should please do suggest it to them.

The Awards application process is a great opportunity to reflect upon your achievements and analyse them, something in our industry it is often very hard to find the time to do. You will find the information for this category and all the others now live on our website.

Andy Scotland Chair, NZEA Board.

Dunedin Venues looking beyond events for revenue SOURCE: Otago Daily Times: 30 April 2017 An increase in non-event revenue opportunities is the focus of Dunedin Venues, chief executive Terry Davies says.

Mr Davies said along with securing events at the DVML-managed Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Town Hall and the Dunedin Centre, the company was focusing on alternative income streams.

Those included leasing stadium car parks to Otago

Events Update, May 2017

Polytechnic, letting World Fitness Gym open on Level 2 of the stadium and partnering with other businesses around the city.

Venues staff had - including event management, catering and security - to be able to sourced for other events around the city.

While concerts and other events were a big part of DVML’s work, the unpredictability of securing concerts meant the ability to have more firm income sources was a positive for the company as a whole, Mr Davies said.

The team was working to create “new products’’, including the second Women You Can Bank On event next month, and ongoing partnerships with New Zealand Cricket and Great Home and Living Show collaboration with the Otago Daily Times were also adding to the company’s line-up.

He was also wanting the variety of skills that Dunedin

Events coming up included Dave Dobbyn’s sold-out show on Friday evening at the Glenroy, the two-day Inspire Dunedin event at the stadium and several rugby matches, including the All Blacks against Australia in August.

DVML were also working on events for later in the year as well as into 2018-19, and said while nothing was confirmed, there were hopes for some concerts later in the year, Mr Davies said.

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Applications Open: 1 June to 31 July 2017 • • • • • • • •

Event Professional of the Year Emerging Event Professional of the Year Best Community Event Best Regional Event Best National Event Best International Event Best Industry Supplier for an Event New Zealand’s Favourite Event

NEW FOR 2017: • Best Business Event • Event Sponsorship Professional of the Year • Best Community Event Sponsorship • Best Arts or Cultural Event Sponsorship • Best Sports Event Sponsorship

Qualifying Period: 1 March 2016 to 31 March 2017 Visit www.nzaep.co.nz/awards for further information.

World Masters Games sets foundation for future Commonwealth Games says organiser SOURCE: NZHerald.co.nz, 30 April 2017 World Masters Games 2017 has been heralded the most successful of the event’s nine editions and has set a foundation for future Commonwealth Games in Auckland.

The 10-day multi-sport festival catered to 28,000 in 28 sports across 48 venues around Auckland and Cambridge.

International Masters Games Association president Kai Holm was glowing in his praise of the organisation.

“These Games have been run according to the professional standards we expected of Auckland and to this, we can add the warm kindness we received from our friends in this country,” he said.

“Making these absolutely fantastic were the volunteers - these have been the best Games ever.”

Those were the words WMG2017 chief executive Jennah Wootten was hoping to hear, having set a target of out-performing the 2009 Sydney Games, previously regarded as the benchmark.

“It’s been an incredible week,” she says. “We had really bold aspirations - we talked about 25,000 athletes and the desire to attract athletes from 100 different countries around the world.

“When you actually see those numbers happen and come to life, you see them coming through the airport and through the gates of Queen’s Wharf, it’s a pretty special feeling, having talked about it

Events Update, May 2017

for four-and-a-half years.

And it strengthens her claim that Auckland and New Zealand were ready to host another Commonwealth Games in the near future.

“Quite frankly, I do think we’re ready for that next challenge,” says Wootten. “Who knows what it will be, but absolutely we should be thinking about Commonwealth Games and we should be preparing to have the discussion around 2026.

“New Zealand has done a really good job of showing it can deliver single-discipline major sporting events, but we’ve shown over the past nine days that we can do multi-sport, we can do multivenue, we can handle the logistics and we can handle complexity.”

WMG2017 Auckland organisers formally passed the torch to Japan’s Kansai Province, which will hat the next event in 2021.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman tonight congratulated organisers and participants on the outstanding success, saying the games is the largest major event New Zealand has hosted since the Rugby World Cup 2011.

“Hosting major events in New Zealand provides a welcome boost to our economy. With the majority of the events based in Auckland, it is estimated that the games have contributed 244,000 visitor nights and added $30.8 million to Auckland’s GDP. “Further to this it is estimated

Haere Mai Taiko Japanese drumming group performed at the World Masters Games closing ceremony, at The Cloud, Auckland on Sunday. CREDIT: Doug Sherring that the games have contributed $53 million to GDP and a 266,000 visitor nights to the wider New Zealand economy.

Coleman said the games has been “without a doubt” a massive celebration in active participation and sportsmanship.

“This event shows that it is never too late to be a competitive athlete. The

participants have made a significant contribution towards the Games ‘sport for all’ philosophy.”

He said it was a great way to showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world and many of the participants have extended their stay to sample Kiwi hospitality and iconic sights.

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Hamilton’s Round the Bridges event changes hands SOURCE: Waikato Times, 5 May 2017 After eight years of being managed by U Leisure, this year’s Round the Bridges race will be organised by Classic Events.

Classic Events are known for providing Hamilton with Balloons over Waikato and the Great NZ Food Show.

all shapes and sizes, from primary school students right through to New Zealand’s leading distance runners.

Hamilton Hawks Road and Cross Country president Glenn Sexton acknowledged the work done by U Leisure since they took over management eight years ago.

Managing director Michele Connell said they were thrilled to be part of another wellloved event.

“We have every intention to continue on the path that U Leisure has set, by offering the best value for money running and walking event on the calendar.

Every year thousands of runners and walkers descend upon Hamilton city centre for one of the country’s oldest events, Round the Bridges.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing both Waikato locals and those from outside the region taking part in this great event. “

Established in 1945 by the Hamilton Harrier Club, the event welcomes people of

Entries will open in the next couple of months and will still include a 2km Kids Challenge,

The 2016 Round the Bridges fun run in Hamilton.

Credit: DOMINICO ZAPATA/FAIRFAX NZ 6km/12km Fun Run/Walk, 12km Corporate Challenge and a re-introduction of a 12km race designed for the serious runners amongst us.

use the same course along both sides of Waikato River, with the famous Grantham Street/Victoria Street finish line at Garden Place.

Competitors will continue to

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• Administration Coordinator, H3 • Manager Event Feasibility, ATEED • Event Director, NZME Events • Superstar Event/Account Manager, Orange Productions • Event Operations Manager, Lemongrass Productions • Events Deliver Manager, Hockey New Zealand • Conference Coordinator, Conference Innovators NZEA members receive email notifications of career opportunities as they are listed on our website.

If you would like to advertise your vacancy, request for proposals, tender or sponsorship opportunity to our 1,100+ membership base, please email info@nzaep.co.nz

Events Update, May 2017

Page 6

New Zealand Major Events Scholarship

New Zealand Major Events and NZEA are excited to announce the 2017 New Zealand Major Events Scholarship.

Launched last year, the scholarship rewards a deserving events industry professional with a substantial development opportunity - free registration to the Eventing the Future Conference in New Plymouth on 2 & 3 August 2017.

Are you a career-focused individual, in the early to mid-career phase of your events industry journey?

Are you committed to the industry long term and can you see a tangible benefit to your career development from attending the conference?

“The New Zealand Major Events team wants to recognise the calibre of events professionals in New Zealand and help lift them to the next level.” said Devorah Blumberg, Manager of New Zealand Major Events “this scholarship is designed to assist with the professional

Events Update, May 2017

development of an emerging event professional and to invest in their future.”

The recipient will receive a feature in the NZEA Events Update and recognition at the Eventing the Future Conference. Last year, the scholarship went to Janette Douglas, Events Manager with Cycling New Zealand. “The Scholarship is a valuable opportunity to observe, learn and develop further skills with the support of peers and leaders within our events industry.” says Janette “receiving this award is a valuable professional development opportunity and my thanks go to NZEA and NZME for the recognition and support they have provided.”

If this sounds like you, apply now!

Applications close 16 June, with the scholarship recipient announced 27 June.

Note: This is a contestable scholarship for registration costs only and excludes travel and accommodation costs. For full details on how to apply, please click here.

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Queenstown’s new four-day Winter Festival to be “action-packed” organisers have recognised that they had to change the event. It’s simply adjusting - tailoring to fit what people want.”

Queenstown’s Ange Whipp said she would miss the cancelled community street parade.

“The parade was something I did get into every time. It was nice to see some so many local groups,” Whipp said.

Queenstown Winter Festival director Lisa Buckingham says organizers listened to people’s feedback.

Credit: Che Baker/Fairfax Media SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 9 May 2017 Locals will miss some community favourites removed from the Queenstown Winter Festival programme this year.

Festival director Lisa Buckingham said the event, which previously took place over ten days, was condensed into an action-packed four days based on consumers’ feedback.

It was hard to keep up festive energy levels in Queenstown and keep people focused for ten days, she said.

It also made it easier for visitors to organise a fourday weekend rather than a ten-day holiday.

“I’m super keen to see the community get behind it and be excited about it,” Buckingham said.

Saturday’s community parade were cancelled this year.

The Drag Race and the day in the park events were also taken out of the programme.

Buckingham said a walking parade during the community carnival on Beach St and Earnslaw Park would replace the street parade.

Community groups and school could dress up and get involved in the walking parade, while businesses could be noticed during Day on the Bay events.

“We listened to what people loved in previous years and threw some new stuff in there,” Buckingham said.

Businesses were welcomed to pick up and organise cancelled events next year, she said.

“You can’t help but find something within the festival that you love doing,” she added

Queenstown Lakes District mayor Jim Boult said it was up to Winter Festival organisers to make changes to the programme.

The Golden Mile run and

“I think the festival

Events Update, May 2017

Another Queenstown local Bill Bryant said it was a shame to see the drag race go.

“I don’t feel like it [Winter Festival] was busy last year so maybe it would make a difference to make it a more dense event,” he said.

This year’s Winter Festival’s opening party on Friday will celebrate Southland and Otago heroes.

The celebration fireworks will start at 7pm followed by live music and entertainment featuring young Queenstown artists. Real Journeys’ Thank You Cruise on the Earnslaw will host nominated volunteers from the region for a winter celebration.

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Fifty volunteers will be provided with tickets to join the cruise with nominations closing on June 1.

“Queenstown Winter Festival is, at its heart, an event celebrating our community,” Buckingham said.

Winter Festival will also include dog barking and the dog derby competition, quiz and comedy night, the ball, dodgeball, night skiing and ice hockey matches.

Over 250 members have already signed up to the Linked In exclusive NZEA Group.

Visit www.linkedin. com/groups nzaep-6934807 to get involved.

Page 8

Auckland turns it on for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 SOURCE: ATEED Media Release, 18 April 2017 Queens Wharf will be at the heart of the action when Auckland welcomes The British & Irish Lions back to New Zealand for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017.

Auckland is hosting three matches during the upcoming tour, highlighted by two Test matches against the All Blacks (Saturday, 24 June and Saturday, 8 July), as well as an exciting mid-week fixture against the Blues (Wednesday, 7 June).

Auckland is expected to welcome more than 20,500 international and 14,000 domestic visitors to the region for one of the most iconic touring rugby series in the world. The projected benefits for Auckland are 165,210 visitor nights and a contribution of $26.7 million to the Auckland regional economy.

Whether you’re a ticket-holder or not, there will be great opportunities for Aucklanders and visitors to mix with other fans, share the excitement of the Series, and watch all the rugby action live.

Queens Wharf will be home to the main Auckland Fanzone and be the Auckland hub for the Rugby 2017 Festival, complete with entertainment, exhibitions and activities.

Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone will be the biggest Series Fanzone in the country.

Regional Fanzones will also be in place for each of the Test matches of the Series. The Trusts Arena in Henderson will be activated as a Fanzone on Saturday, 24 June; Manukau’s Vodafone Events Centre will be a regional Fanzone on Saturday, 1 July; and the North Shore Events Centre will be operating on Saturday, 8 July.

Both Queens Wharf and the regional Fanzones will screen

the Test matches live, as well as having entertainment, food and drink, and fun familyfriendly activities.

Auckland’s famous Fan Trail between the waterfront and Eden Park will also be up and running for the two Auckland Test matches. The Fan Trail is a fun-filled walking route stretching from downtown to Eden Park. It will be packed with live entertainment and lots of activity, come rain or shine.

Mayor Phil Goff says Lions tours are incredible events and with nearly 20,000 international visitors expected in Auckland, the focus will be on making this Series an unmissable event for Aucklanders and visitors

alike.

“Auckland comes alive for Lions tours. The passion, tradition and quality of rugby on display is great for the fans and Auckland gets a chance to show off everything that makes it such a great place to live. I’m looking forward to a fantastic few weeks in our city.”

The Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone and Fan Trail are being delivered by ATEED on behalf of Auckland Council, in association with central government. ATEED is a Host City Sponsor, on behalf of the Auckland Council, for the Series which is being delivered by NZ Rugby (NZR).

No return for New Year concert at Mount Maunganui SOURCE: NZ Herald, 5 May 2017

entertainment at the Mount.

Crowds seeing in the New Year on Mount Main Beach next summer will not be dancing to rock music provided by the city council.

The council’s Audit and Finance Committee backed a New Year’s Eve programme that was largely a repeat of last year, except to scale down the youth event.

The council has opted to continue with last year’s controversial decision to axe the New Year’s Eve beach

No one at last week’s meeting advocated for a return of the beachfront concerts. Last year’s decision was based on

Events Update, May 2017

budget blowouts and police fears of violence.

A staff report said that the council last year voted to put Tauranga “on a different New Year’s Eve journey”.

It said the decision to not organise an event on Mount Main Beach was intended as a “circuit breaker” and the first step to change the

public’s perception about what New Year in Tauranga had to offer.

The focus will be on delivering an enhanced family-friendly CBD waterfront event, including an extended sausage sizzle, music and a fireworks display at 9.30pm.

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REGIONAL UPDATES

The latest from our team of NZEA Regional Reps

WELLINGTON: Penny Mitropoulos Penny.Mitropoulos@dia.govt.nz The newest Visits and Events Organiser to join the Department of Internal Affairs’ Visits and Ceremonial Team is Kirsty Murfitt (pictured right).

Kirsty has a background in stakeholder and project coordination and worked in the Air New Zealand sector

Events Update, May 2017

looking after Government and Corporate agencies.

She joined the VCO team in January and has delivered the spouse programme for a VIP Australian visit and managed the private dinner and official lunch for the most recent visit to New Zealand - His Excellency Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council for the People’s Republic of China.

Kirsty Murfitt

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Hamilton’s major event Parker fight livestreamers sponsorship fund opens thrown out of event SOURCE: Radio New Zealand, Saturday night. for applications 7 May 2017 The Duco Events media

Applications for Hamilton City Council’s Major Event Sponsorship Fund are now open.

significant and high-value coverage and where it will attract significant numbers of visitors.

May 1st marked the opening for the application period for the fund, which provides sponsorship of between $5,000 and $100,000 to event organisers.

“Ideally an application will show us the event will result in exposure, promotion and economic benefit for the city as well as promoting pride and a sense of place for Hamiltonians,” Mr Murray says.

Hamilton City Council’s General Manager of Venues, Tourism and Major Events, Sean Murray, says a total of $384,000 is available to provide support to organisations delivering events in line with Hamilton’s objectives.

The application of the Event Sponsorship Fund will focus on larger event opportunities where exposure will reach well beyond Hamilton, delivering

The sports promotion company that put on last week’s world heavyweight boxing title fight says a few people were thrown out for live streaming.

New Zealand’s Joseph Parker defended his title in a fight against Romanian Razvan Cojanu in Auckland on

manager, Craig Stanaway, said he had not heard of any serious streaming issues but knew a few people used Facebook Live.

But he said he was pleased with the number of people who paid $50 to view the fight on Sky TV.

Applicants interested in applying for funding need to ensure their events help to achieve the objectives and meet the criteria of Council’s Event Sponsorship Policy.

More information and details on how to apply to the fund can be found http://www. hamilton.govt.nz/our-city/ cityevents/eventfunding/

Joseph Parker lands a punch during his fight with Razvan Cojanu for the WBO World Heavyweight title. Credit: PHOTOSPORT

TEDxWellington introduces new way to support charities SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 10 May 2017

Pasifika art practitioners and advocates.

This year’s TEDxWellington event is aiming to be the most accessible yet.

Kava Club co-founder Herbert Bartley says they will be offering their TEDx spaces to young Maori and Pasifika community leaders under 25.

Registrations for the 2017 event went live this week and new this year is a range of categories, including a way to ‘pay it forward’ and support local charities.

Purchasing a ‘pay it forward’ registration will buy two seats - one for yourself, and one for a local charity to give to someone in their community.

Among the five supported charities is Kava Club, a community which brings together emerging and established Maori and Events Update, May 2017

He says as a collective Kava Club want to provide better opportunities for young people.

“There’s so many amazing young people doing great work in their communities,” he says.

“We’ve got so many great stories and that’s what Ted Talks are about in my view ... it’s just a really great opportunity for these young people to engage with other people that are working in communities, and gain a global

TEDxWellington licensee and producer DK says the ‘pay it forward’ registrations allow the conference to reach a wider, more diverse audience. Credit: Rhiannon McConnell perspective.”

Other charities involved are Dress for Success, ChangeMakers Refugee Forum, Young Enterprise Scheme and SeniorNet. This year will be the fifth TEDxWellington event.

TEDx is a programme of loca, self-organised events that bring people together to watch

live speakers and video and share ideas.

So far, the Wellington event has hosted 40 speakers and performers, more than 800 delegates and had more than 8200 livestream viewers.

Jones says this year’s event will have 13 speakers and performers, who will be announced next week.

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Ohakune Mardi Gras cancelled Source: Stuff.co.nz, 2 May 2017

Foubister added that it isn’t the end of OMG forever.

A $77,000 loss at last year’s event and conflict with the upcoming Lions’ Tour are behind a decision to cancel this year’s Ohakune Mardi Gras event.

“OECT intends to bring back an event in the future,” he said.

The event was planned for 24 June 2017 and Ohakune Events Charitable Trust made the announcement last week.

“It is disappointing as it is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and established events and we have no doubt our fans will also be disappointed by this decision,” said OECT chairman James Foubister.

Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park owner, Kordula Daniel said she was “a bit bummed” about the cancellation.

“It was one of our busiest weekends and we were already booked up for it,” she said.

While the cancellation of this year’s event is a blow to some,

Events Update, May 2017

“The look and feel will be very much dependant on feedback from our stakeholders, both locally and nationally and as a community, we are excited by the opportunities that this presents for OMG.” Foubister added that partnerships will be the key to delivering a successful and sustainable event and the volunteer committee is looking forward to building relationships in the future, which supports the community’s vision.

“In order for OMG to remain viable the Trust is obligated to ensure that the event is not only competitive and meets expectations but, more importantly, is cost-effective for both the consumer and the Trust,” Foubister said Ohakune Mardi Gras made

Dane Rumble performs at Ohakune’s iconic winter event, Mardi Gras. Credit: GEORGE HEARD/FAIRFAX NZ its first appearance to the Ohakune township during the winters of 1995 and 1996, as a response to the devastation to the local economy caused by the eruptions.

Since it’s inception, OMG has showcased some of New Zealand’s best up and coming musical talent including: Batucada Sound Machine in 2004; Strike in 2006, Kora and Concord Dawn in 2007; The Checks in 2008; Midnight Youth in 2009; Dane Rumble in 2010, Opshop in 2011, I Am Giant and Mt Eden (Dub Step) in 2012, Please Please in 2013, Peking Duk in

2014 and Timmy Trumpet in 2015.

Ohakune Events Charitable Trust welcomes any feedback for future events for the Ruapehu region.

A public meeting date will be advised in due course to gather and discuss these ideas.

“We wish to acknowledge, that in lieu of OMG, our Junction business community has put their hands up to run a season opening party,” says the Trust.

“We encourage all people to support this initiative.”

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Polo hits Auckland beach for first time ever SOURCE: North Shore Times, 5 May 2017

demographic - being mature and affluent.

Polo, the self-confessed sport of the “mature and affluent”, is galloping onto an Auckland beach for the first time.

“Gould park reserve is an amazing natural amphitheatre and you’ve also got a nice bluestone ocean wall, so it actually separates the horses from the spectators. So, from a health and safety perspective, that’s a really attractive positioning.”

The destination is Takapuna, on Auckland’s North Shore and, aside from a short stint in Porangahau, Hawke’s Bay, it’s the first time polo has ever been played along the New Zealand coastline.

But that isolated Hawke’s Bay location lacked the necessary pomp and society of its upcoming destination, said event organiser Amy Calway.

New Zealand Beach Polo Association chair Calway drafted the application to Auckland Council to hold the event in Takapuna this December 14 and15, and said the location is perfect.

“It was right there shining in our face as a really clear option,” Calway said “We needed an urban beach that had a flat gradient that was safe for spectators, that matched the target

However, while the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board gave their land owner approval for the beach polo proposal, there are a number of conditions Auckland Council still has to ensure before the tournament begins.

“The conditions placed on the event relate to animal welfare and the safety of people, including fencing to ensure the wellbeing of everyone,” Auckland Council events manager David Burt said.

“The event also has to ensure that public access is maintained, so people are still able to access and enjoy the majority of the beach.”

Beach polo was briefly run in Porangahau, Hawke’s Bay, in 2014 but its isolated location lacked the “revelry” that makes polo an event, event organiser Amy Calway said. CREDIT: SUPPLIED Of particular concern to the local board was that there be no alcohol sold on Takapuna Beach during the tournament, which has a total alcohol ban.

“The community value Takapuna Beach extremely highly. So, if it’s not going to be right, it shouldn’t go ahead,” DevonportTakapuna Local Board chair Grant Gillon said.

“We certainly need to be informed as to whether they’re able to have a successful event if they don’t

have alcohol, or don’t have the degree of commercial advertising they need.”

The beach polo event will be held on a 50 by 25-metre section of sand between the Takapuna Boating Club and the Takapuna Beach Playground.

Custom-built fencing crashtested to withstand a car travelling at 80kmh will line the polo field boundary.

There will be 12 players and up to 36 horses, in the twoday tournament.

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Events Update, May 2017

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Page 13

New wine, beer and food festival Ocean Vine Hop set to showcase Marlborough’s best SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 8 May 2017 A new seafood, wine and beer festival is due to hit the Marlborough social scene this year.

Marlborough4Fun’s newest event Ocean Vine Hop is set to be held at Churchill Glade, Pollard Park, in Blenheim on November 25.

Chief executive Katrina Lange says the festival is the first in Marlborough to showcase three of the region’s gastronomic offerings at a single R18 event.

“As a destination Marlborough is known for the world-class wines produced. We believe that by including the bountiful seafood available within the region and highlighting the rising craft brewing industry, we can offer a brand new experience for visitors and locals alike.”

The festival will be an all-day R18 event, combining culinary master classes, tastings and demonstrations, together with stalls offering beer, wine and other Marlborough produce, with tasty menus to choose from, Katrina says.

The main stage entertainment should appeal as much to millennials as baby boomers, she says.

Sunday Brunch already planned at The Vines Village.

“We plan to develop this festival on an annual basis.

Building on the concept to have events either side and include local restaurants and venues, thus extending visitor stay in the region even further.”

Destination Marlborough general manager Tracy Johnson says the festival is a great idea. “This event strongly supports Marlborough’s visitor positioning and the timing fits well as a reason to attract visitors to build spring visitation.”

“Our headline acts include Jordan Luck, Jason Kerrison and Shane Cortese and The 8 Track Band.”

Katrina hopes to attract more than 2500 punters to the inaugural event, with the event timed specifically to encourage visitors and tourists to the region during the shoulder season, Katrina says.

She intends to partner with other groups to offer pre and post-event options and activities, with a post-event

Marlborough seafood will take pride of place at the new Ocean Vine Hop festival. Credit: RICKY WILSON/FAIRFAX NZ

Currently Seeking Volunteers volunteernet.org.nz Auckland Major Events Becoming part of Team AKL gives you a chance to be at the heart of what’s going on in Auckland – meet new people, be at the centre of action at these great events, and help make Auckland a great place to live, work, study and visit.

Craters Classic - 9 to 11 June, Taupo Based in the amazing geothermal landscapes of the Wairakei Resort, the Craters Classic provides a volunteering experience that is hard to beat.

Choose from some great roles.

Events Update, May 2017

New Zealand Flower & Garden Show 29 November to 3 December, Auckland This coming Spring from November 2017, Auckland will play host to the first North Island based international flower and garden show since the Ellerslie International Flower Show was moved to Christchurch in 2008.

Be part of the action.

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