Your community Newspaper l
Richmond
l
Hope
l
Brightwater
Every Wednesday
l
Wakefield
l
Murchison
Wednesday 12 January 2011
Proud to be locally owned and operated
FREE
Races not just for punters P 10
Tasman still the spot to holiday Tourists are still flocking to Nelson and Tasman despite a tough economic year and another Christchurch earthquake putting an end to some holiday plans, says Nelson Tasman Tourism chief Lynda Keene. Operators say the number of people holidaying in the region is about par or just slightly below last summer’s numbers and while that may not sound like good news, Lynda says Nelson is still a hot destination. “Traditionally a lot of Cantabrians come up on the 26th [of December] but a lot have obviously had to stay at home after the earthquake, so to still be holding as well as we are is good news.” Camping grounds spoken to by Waimea Weekly say they are on par with last year. Valda Holland from Tahuna Beach Holiday Park says at its height the park had 2300 people in it and numbers are similar to last summer. While the Christmas to early New Year period has been busy Lynda says the sector is expecting a traditional soft patch until visitors flock to the region again in February. “There’s no doubt we are still a favourite holiday destination for both domestic and international travellers and there is a very positive outlook for the next few months and beyond.” While people are still visiting the region it seems the effect of the recession is still biting with free activities very popular, including hiking, swimming and gardening. “Free products are getting a lot of interest which shows that people are very mindful of spending money but still want a great time in the region,” says Lynda.
Football fever hits the region See Pages 11 - 13
P 17
SKILLFUL SKIER: Mapua’s Noel Krammer shows off his waterskiing skills as he participates in the Mapua Waterski Club tournament day on Rabbit Island on Saturday. Photo: Teresa Hattan.
Water skiers hit Rabbit Is for tourney As most holiday makers started packing up their tents to head back home over the weekend, Rabbit Island was full of beach goers, surfers and even the odd water skier. Members of the Mapua Waterski Club were among those who flocked to the
island to enjoy the sunshine and the water. Those participating in the club tournament day went around a course set out in an inlet, and with fingers crossed, made to the end up-right to claim maximum points. The club has three tournaments a year says Noel
Krammer. “We’re quite a social group and we always have lots of fun.” Waterski tournaments have been held by the group for four years and Noel says they keep getting better. For more information on the club call 021-758-169.