Wellington has been slowly going about its business in recent times, attracting a greater share of national and international conference business than ever before. And it has just confirmed that it has secured another high profile event, beating international cities to win a major global film industry conference.
The city recently confirmed that Wellington will host the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Cineposium in 2008, against competing offers from Spain, Korea, South Africa, China and France.
Positively Wellington Tourism CEO, Tim Cossar, said this was a real win for the city.
“The Lord of the Rings films took Wellington to the world, showcasing the city’s amazing scenery as well as its creative-edge. Winning this conference is testament to the world-leading work that happens here in Wellywood,” he said.
The conference will bring up to 300 film industry executives from 30 countries to Wellington for a week-long industry conference.
Film Wellington, the film facilitation unit for the Regional EDA Ltd, led the conference bid process, in collaboration with Positively Wellington Tourism’s Convention Bureau, Film New Zealand, Conventions & Incentives New Zealand and regional film offices.
Film Wellington’s manager, Jean Johnston, said it was a great honour for Wellington to be able to host the Cineposium 2008 because it was generally held in the United States, and other countries were able to host it only once every three years. It has never been held in New Zealand, and only once in Australia.
“We’re delighted that our proposal convinced the international selection panel that Wellington was the most exciting place to hold the 2008 Cineposium,” Ms Johnston said.
“It’s another indication that Wellington is highly-regarded in the international screen production industry.”
AFCI film commissioners are in the business of marketing their regions to attract screen production work. The Cineposium is its premier annual conference, where industry professionals share information and knowledge.
“This is an example of the country’s conventions industry working together to succeed in a competitive market,” Mr Cossar added.
“Wellington’s won the equivalent of the Oscar for the conventions industry.”
The bid to host the Cineposium in Wellington was accompanied by letters of support from Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Mayor Kerry Prendergast, and Film New Zealand.
The Wellington Conference Expo, an annual tradeshow for conference and event planners, will now be known as the Wellington Conference and Events Expo.
General manager of the Wellington Convention Centre, Neville Brown, said the event was created six years ago to showcase the venue’s conference facilities and those of local conference suppliers to Wellingtonians.
“It has now grown to become an industry-wide event showcasing the entire region’s conference and event capabilities to both local and national audiences,” he said.
“The corporate events industry has expanded rapidly and clients now require a wider scope of professional services to service a wider range of events including conferences, but also anything from events with entertainment and theming components, adventure activities for attendees, to exhibitions and tradeshows. Our name change reflects this variety.” This year’s event will be held on October 17. For details visit www.wellingtonconferenceexpo.co.nz.
Located right smack bang in the centre of New Zealand, Marlborough is just three hours south by ferry from Wellington, and has direct air links from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Described as being blessed with a year-round sunny climate, the Marlborough region is said to record the highest number of sunshine hours in the entire country per annum.
It is New Zealand’s largest grape growing and wine producing regions. At last count there were 65 wineries, 290 grape growers and in excess of 4000 hectares of vineyards. Finding a winery is as easy as driving along a country road and looking for signs. The majority of wineries welcome visitors ready to sample the region’s signature Sauvignon Blanc.
Marlborough is home to the city of Blenheim, Picton, the region’s main commercial port, Havelock, described as the gateway to the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds, the city of Renwick, the Wairau Valley, Seddon, a traditional farming area and now a haven for arts and crafts, and Kekerengu.
As much as Marlborough is known for its wines, it is also its “sounds” that visitors come to see. These sunken valleys provide some of the most spectacular scenery to be seen anywhere in the country not to mention the huge array of flora and fauna.
Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds can be explored by boat, ferry, runabout, luxury charter launch or kayak. Here, you will be very unlucky indeed if you don’t catch sight of blue penguins, dolphins or seals.
For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the Queen Charlotte Track is described as being a great way to appreciate the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. What better way to see the local environment than walking along a track made for nature lover’s?
The 67km track passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. It rivals many walking tracks in New Zealand for its stunning beauty.
Those who don’t like walking, or can’t walk too far, may like to try their hand at fishing. Keen anglers are rarely disappointed if they partake in fishing in the Marlborough region. Guided trout fishing tours can be arranged, taking participants into remote areas and back-country rarely accessed by general visitors, while getting into a boat and out on the water is easy, trouble-free, and extremely good value for money.
Whatever you decide to do in Marlborough, you will surely find something that gives you a real taste of regional New Zealand - and one that you will be telling your friends and family about for many years to come. To learn more about Marlborough visit www.destinationmarlborough.com.
The Wairarapa region of New Zealand is just over one hour north of Wellington, and is bordered by the Tararua Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is known locally for its hot summers, and is described as being a destination in which you can relax and unwind in refined, country surroundings.
European settlement in the Wairarapa dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is understandably much older. Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast have been occupied for at least 800 years.
Main centres in the Wairarapa include: Masterton, the largest town in the region and home to the art and history museum; Carterton the “daffodil capital of New Zealand”; Greytown, with its colonial village architecture and feel; Featherston; and Martinborough.
Martinborough is hugely popular with visitors because it has more than 25 boutique-style vineyards, the majority of which are all within walking distance of the city square. Is there another wine-growing region in the world where you can leave your car behind and set out on foot to sample the local offerings? Certainly great news for those who want to sample wines all morning or all afternoon!
Greytown is described as being New Zealand’s first inland town. Thankfully, its colonial village character and charm has been retained and preserved for visitors.
Greytown is said to have some wonderful cafes and restaurants, antique, art and craft shops and galleries, and quality boutique accommodation. Like so many regions in New Zealand the Wairarapa also has its fair share of great outdoors - stunning scenery and ancient forests are scattered between wineries and quaint villages.
The Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is described as being a must-see for visitors.
The centre is where the New Zealand Department of Conservation runs its captive breeding program for threatened bird species.
Cape Palliser is the southernmost point of the North Island. Highlights include a large breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and Maori occupation sites dating from the 12th century, and the stunning lighthouse.
But the Wairarapa isn’t just about beautiful vistas and exceptional scenery.
There are plenty of adrenaline-charged opportunities for visitors to do. How does rafting, caving, rap jumping, bungy jumping or a 4WD safari sound? If that sounds like you then the Wairarapa is where it’s at!
Like so many places in New Zealand this destination offers some superb boutique accommodation to suit all styles and budgets. B&B -style accommodation is popular here, and is a great way to meet the locals and experience a little of what true hospitality is all about. To learn more about the Wairarapa region of New Zealand, a great place for a little online exploration can be found at www.wairarapanz.com.
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