MEDIA STATEMENT
Laurie Byers, Far North Mayoral Candidate
16 August 2010

Growing the Far North as an Events Destination

Far North Mayoral candidate, Laurie Byers, today announced his plan to breathe life back in to the Far North Events Strategy, adopted during the 2006 Far North Long Term Plan.

Mr Byers said, “When we developed the Events Strategy, our vision was to leverage all of the Far North’s obvious assets to work towards turning it into an events destination.”

“Some good progress has been made in implementing the Strategy, but when I passed it through the last Council, we were thinking so much more was possible.”

“The Waipoua Forest Walk and Run is an event of much potential and we can continue to help it grow to give Hokianga tourism a further boost. The Sovereign Swim Series Race was fantastic, and we will continue to work with the organisers to grow it. The Bay of Islands Sailing Week is becoming a major event in the international sailing calendar and a Council I lead will be adding its weight to help enhance that event too.”

“While one off events like the Air New Zealand Cup game in the Kerikeri Domain should be applauded, the thinking behind the Events Strategy is for sustainable events that we can grow and use to help create a Far North events brand.”

“If I am given the privilege of being the Far North’s Mayor, I will commit a time, effort and resource to growing our place as an event destination.”

“Among other things, this will involve utilising all of the experience and relationships that I have grown during 10 years working with Sport Northland on their Board.

“Under my leadership, we will seed-finance, establish and grow three cornerstone events:

• The Light to Light
• Kaitaia to the Cape
• Hokianga to Paihia Relay Run.”

Light to Light

Mr Byers said, “This was an idea that came out of the work to develop the 2007 Events Strategy, and it is a fantastic idea.”

“The basic concept is that using the same three disciplines as are used in the Coast to Coast – cycling, running and kayaking – we could set a wonderful course from one light, Cape Reinga, to another, Cape Brett.”

“The Light to Light would be iconic, will be an amazing promotion of the Far North, and would put us on the map with the international multi-sport community.”

“An event like this would guarantee large number of visitors and international television coverage, and the growth potential for the District is just staggering.”

Kaitaia to the Cape

Mr Byers said, “With the road being sealed to Cape Reinga, we have an exciting cycling opportunity to take advantage of, we just need to get the timing and the promotion right.”

“If we can create a bike ride from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga, time it in the training build-up to the Taupo Cycle Challenge ride, promote it very well, we will have many people with money to spend coming to the Far North for a couple of nights.”

Hokianga to the Bay Relay

“Overnight relay runs are very popular events and I believe we have the perfect potential to build one in the Far North”

“An overnight event from Omapere to Paihia would greatly benefit both towns and is very achievable.”

“These three events will only be the beginning. Events are a powerful economic development tool, and based on the work to develop the Far North events strategy four years ago, I believe this is an area where the Far North can excel.”

“When we create a reputation as being an events destination, we will take giant leaps in promoting our District, and at the same time give a big boost to local businesses, particularly in the tourism off-season.”

“It is just a matter of making it happen, and that is what I will do as your Mayor” Mr Byers said.

ENDS

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