MEDIA RELEASE

5 March 2008

Chaffers Dock Festival Weekend

Visitors to the Wellington’s Chaffers Dock this weekend will be treated to a programme of events, likely to become a permanent part of Wellington’s waterfront experience. After a development ‘make-over’ taking nearly four years, the Chaffers Dock apartments are fully tenanted and the retail piazza is complete and about to be fully open for business.

This weekend marks two significant openings; the re-commissioned Herd Street Brasserie with Chef Jason Neilson heading the kitchen, and the launch of Chaffers Gallery with an inaugural exhibition of artworks from Dale Franks, Allen Maddox, Colin McCahon, Judy Miller and Gordon Walters. “Add to that Zarbo’s food demonstrations and tastings, The Port’s fresh Chatham Island seafood and the weekend long special offers from Movenpick, Empire (skates) and Subway, and there are plenty of reasons to visit this weekend,” says Tracy Mahoney, Chaffers Dock retail group manager.

Sunday afternoon jazz begins this weekend and will continue as a regular feature from 2pm to 5pm. As an incentive to come along for those with young families, Tricky the Clown and bunches of balloons will be on hand to help the festival atmosphere on Sunday afternoon.

The waterfront location is already proving a winner with strollers, walkers and joggers, business diners and visitors. The multi-million dollar development completes the pedestrian spaces and walkway between Oriental Bay and Te Papa and greatly extends the amount of Wellington’s waterfront which is accessible to the public.

“We realise that it is rare to have such a prime location available to the public and we were always keen that people should discover for this area for themselves,” says Mahoney. “For that reason we have been careful to ensure that Chaffers Dock offers a mixture of cafes and restaurants, arts and culture, activity and leisure and that there is plenty of space inside and out to make the most of whatever Wellington’s weather offers.”

Festival weekend events will take place inside the Chaffers Dock building and on the surrounding open areas. Parking is available at the Chaffers Dock Marina or nearby at Te Papa or along Oriental Parade.

ENDS

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