New website the ‘go-to’ place for Waipa events
New website the go-to' place for Waipa events
25 May 2016
A new website has been launched to support events in the Waipa district.
The site - www.whatsonwaipa.co.nz - was developed by Waipa District Council and launched today.
Recent independent research commissioned by the Council showed major events were worth millions to the Waipa economy. Five major events last year had pumped more than $27 million into the local economy.
But Council's communications manager Natalie Palmer said the website was not just about major events but about supporting and helping promote the myriad of other, smaller events being held in the district.
"Yes, the economic return from major events is important. But there is a huge range of other important events happening in the district right throughout the year which also have benefits for our community," she said.
"Many of the smaller events add vibrancy and colour to the district and attract day-trippers which have a flow-on effect for retailers and others. And they're important for community groups and in that sense alone, it's important we support them."
The website splits events into three categories - sport, community and arts and culture. It lists upcoming events and details what's planned and when. The site includes seven reasons why events should be held in Waipa and provides information about possible funding support. Information is also provided to help make events go smoothly.
Event organisers were being encouraged to list their event on the website which will be maintained by council staff. So far, there had been a "huge" response, Palmer said.
"Putting on events can be hard work and some Council processes can trip people up if they're not used to dealing with them," she said.
"We're providing information around things like traffic management, getting the right permits and rules around food and alcohol. These are the sort of things council staff are asked about all the time so it should save a lot of time for event organisers."
Waipa locals were being encouraged to send the website link to potential visitors so they know what's planned for the district, and when.
"We'd like to think this site will become a 'go-to' place for finding out what's on in Waipa. A lot of people will be surprised at how many events are ongoing, right throughout the year, possibly because they just haven't seen what's on offer before."
The website already contains events out until April 2017.
Media enquiries, contact Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council) 027 507 7599