Inspiring Summer - the essence of the Mackenzie

Media Release – for immediate release 13th December 2004

Inspiring Summer Series captures the essence of the Mackenzie.

The stories of the Mackenzie will be brought alive again this summer – all be it with a number of ''twists''.

This year’s Inspiring Summer Series will feature a humorous, overstated and thoroughly entertaining version of the legend of James Mackenzie by the Court Jesters, the improvisation troupe from Christchurch’s Court Theatre. New Zealand’s own “living treasure”, ballader Phil Garland, also features with an evening of song and music which will capture the essence of the Mackenzie.

Key note presenters include renowned author Philip Holden, adventurer Gavin Wills, kaumatua (elder) Joe Waaka, and weather researcher Dr Peyman Zawar-Reza.

The Inspiring Summer Series, begins on Saturday 8th January and finishes on Sunday 27th February. The Court Jesters will perform at Lake Tekapo, Twizel and Fairlie with all other performances being based at Lake Tekapo.

Mackenzie Heritage Centre Project Director Malcolm Anderson says: “Last year’s Inspiring Summer Series superbly interpreted the stories behind the ‘real’ New Zealand. With live performances from two of New Zealand’s leading entertainers, and inspiring presentations from our guest speakers we will again capture the spirit and passion behind the stories of the Mackenzie.”

Chairman of the Mackenzie Centre Community Trust, Richard Stubbs, adds, “The combination of professional performers and inspiring speakers, backed by sponsorship from business’s that share our vision, will make this a truly memorable series of events. We know the calibre of performers and speakers will attract visitors to the region, add real value to their visit and convince them to stay longer.”

Full details of the Summer Series are available from Air Safaris Lake Tekapo office, the Twizel Information Centre, the Fairlie Resource Centre or the Mackenzie Heritage Centre’s website at www.inspiringnz.co.nz/mackenzie/whats_hot/

Principal sponsor of this year’s series is the Lake Tekapo Art Group with supporting sponsorship from CRT Real Estate Lake Tekapo, Rimuwhare, L and L Hardware, Gibson Bros. and Mount Cook Salmon.

The Mackenzie Heritage Centre is a proposed $16.5 million dollar interactive experience revolving around seven compelling stories from the Mackenzie Country. The Heritage Centre will feature state of the art interpretive experiences that tell the stories of the place, the people, and the passion behind an area that 1.3 million visitors pass through every year.

ENDS

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