Latest news with #EnterpriseDunedin
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Light show back for Matariki event
Ōtepoti Dunedin is set to sparkle for Matariki once more, as the drone light show returns as part of a celebration of Māori culture, reflection and renewal. The free community event will take place from 3pm to 9pm on June 21 at Logan Park. It will feature two drone light shows, weaving art and storytelling. Enterprise Dunedin event producer Allison Wallace said the festival reflected the city's commitment to higher-quality, accessible events that celebrated local culture and brought communities together. "In response to feedback and the popularity of last year's drone show event, which saw 15,000 people there, we have extended the event footprint across Logan Park and have a large food truck and dining area. "We have an earlier drone show for our younger audiences at 6pm, followed by a later show for our teens and adults at 8.30pm. Drones light up the sky at last year's Matariki celebrations at Logan Park. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN "We're excited to announce our headline act as 1 Drop Nation, one of Aotearoa's must-see acts, whose music is a unique blend of roots, rock, funk and reggae." Meanwhile, Ōtepoti Dunedin is preparing to welcome the Māori New Year with the Puaka Matariki Festival — a month-long celebration of renewal, reflection and connection. The festival, now in its 15th year in Ōtepoti, runs from June 14 to July 12. The programme includes 26 events across Ōtepoti Dunedin, from a traditional hautapu ceremony, to the sharing of kai and kapa haka performances along with the return of the festival's drone show. Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, of Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, said as a community, people had been celebrating both Puaka and Matariki for many years. Enterprise Dunedin Destination Manager Sian Sutton said the upcoming programme of events across the city was a chance to deepen our connection to te ao Māori. "Puaka Matariki is a uniquely powerful time of reflection and unity. "We're thrilled to bring this to life for our city and we're particularly excited by the collaborative process with mana whenua to ensure the event is culturally appropriate and reflective of Matariki values." — APL
Otago Daily Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Big boost wanted for ‘cornerstone' tourism sector
crop_adrian_clifton_2_081024.jpg Larnach Castle general manager Adrian Clifton. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH A popular Dunedin attraction is advocating for tourism funding to get a big boost. A submission from Larnach Castle on the Dunedin City Council's 2025-34 draft long-term plan said a significant increase was needed. "As the tourism sector continues to be a cornerstone of New Zealand's economy, it is imperative that Dunedin capitalises on this opportunity to bolster its local economy, enhance community vibrancy and position itself as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors," castle general manager Adrian Clifton said. "The city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene and proximity to unique wildlife and natural attractions make it an attractive destination for tourists," Mr Clifton said. "Investing in tourism infrastructure and promotion can amplify these inherent advantages, driving increased visitor numbers and spending." The castle on the ridge of Otago Peninsula attracts about 120,000 visitors a year. Mr Clifton said there had been a robust recovery and growth in tourism nationally since the Covid-19 pandemic. Dunedin stood to benefit from this, he said. Mr Clifton called for a larger portion of the council's nine-year plan budget to go into tourism development, focusing on events, hosting, attending trade events, public relations and marketing. "By investing further in tourism, Dunedin can unlock significant economic and social benefits, ensuring a prosperous future for its residents and businesses," Mr Clifton said. The submission coincides with the council's Enterprise Dunedin unit being reviewed. It was reviewed previously in 2018, after Larnach Castle director at the time Norcombe Barker blasted Enterprise Dunedin's performance as an "unmitigated disaster". The review by consultancy MartinJenkins found Enterprise Dunedin had an important role in economic development in the city, but stakeholders felt it was not "sufficiently engaged" in maximising and growing tourism and its economic benefits. It stopped short of recommending a new council-controlled organisation replace Enterprise Dunedin. This possibility is back on the table, or it could continue to be run with council staffing. MartinJenkins said in 2020 Enterprise Dunedin had made good progress against most of the review recommendations. Enterprise Dunedin was set up in 2014, bringing together the council's economic development unit and visitor information centre and the former Tourism Dunedin council-controlled organisation. A council resolution from November last year asked for consultation with stakeholders on a "refresh" of the MartinJenkins report as part of the new review. My Governance has started the review, which is being run in two phases. Council policy and partnerships manahautū (general manager) Nicola Morand said all the services provided by Enterprise Dunedin would be considered in the review. The second phase, yet to be contracted, would look into governance options and operational models. A final report and recommendations would be presented to the council at the end of July.
