Press Release – Friday 30 January 2009

Funky Monkeys Make a Splash!

On Monday 12th January, the Funky Monkeys will be performing FREE shows at Splash Planet! Calling themselves New Zealand’s very own musical supergroup for kids and since 2003, The Funky Monkeys have been dedicated to providing the highest quality musical entertainment to children everywhere.

Vibrant performers Joe, Neil, Chris, and Dizzy Dog will be performing three free shows at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Each show lasts 45 minutes. Splash Planet’s Manager Dave Lee reported that the performance is one of a number of extras organised for the theme park this year. He added, “This performing group is huge and is an event not to be missed. And it is at no extra cost, normal entry prices apply.”

Also of interest are special performances and skill sharing every Wednesday during January at 1.30pm, featuring juggling, sticks, kites, and poi. Local “fun leader Gos” (Ian Gosling) and friends are bringing performance and skill development workshops to the park. Other Splashtacular news! For the month of December 08, visitor numbers into Splash Planet were totalling 26,920, which is around 10% higher than the same period last year (24,355).

Further statistics revealed that the discount club card, giving local Hawke’s Bay residents over 50% off entry prices, was proving to be a huge success with around 3100 cards sold to date. Mr Lee reported, “Locals are really appreciative of the club card and of the facility.” He added, “The message we are getting from the community is extremely positive with visitors stating that the foresight the Council had in creating New Zealand’s only water theme park here in Hastings was fantastic, in this sort of weather it is exactly what the community wants”. Mr Lee estimated that the visitor numbers into the park are quite evenly balanced between locals and out-of-towners and said that the dry rides, slides and the lazy river rides have all been really popular. The Fantasyland Express Train has been round the track approximately 2070 times this season, a distance of more than 1000 kilometres and the new kayak fleet in the pirate ship pond has revived interest and generated lots of attention for the attractions at the back of the park.

With average daily crowds of around 2000 (on fine days), the park has been very busy. “We have had to buy more BBQ tables and umbrellas to meet the current needs and the hire BBQ’s are in constant demand.” Splash Planet is open 10am – 5.30pm everyday through to 8th February and will then open for extended weekends to fit in with the school term starting from 14th February through to 13th April.

ENDS

© Scoop Media