Air NZ comes to the aid of Nelson Arts Festival

Air New Zealand comes to the aid of Nelson Arts Festival

The Nelson Arts Festival is thrilled to have signed a sponsorship arrangement with Air New Zealand on the travel costs for the artists flying in for the festival, which starts on October 13th.

Nelson City Council Arts Festival Director Annabel Norman said when Origin Pacific folded it looked as if the festival would be left with a huge bill for travel.

"I know we were not the only people affected by the closure of the airline, but it was a worrying time," she said. "We are really thrilled that Air New Zealand has come to our assistance."

Ms Norman said the festival programme had already been printed when Air New Zealand agreed to the sponsorship deal, which she said was very generous of them.

"It is too late to give them credit in the programme as we usually do to help to profile our sponsors, but we will be putting up the Air New Zealand banners at all our events and giving them sponsor credit wherever that is possible."

Ms Norman said she hoped as the Nelson Arts Festival grows, Air New Zealand would reap the rewards from its sponsorship.

"We are already seeing some results from the work we have done with Latitude Nelson this year to get the word out about the attractions Nelson offers in the spring for an arts based holiday."

Air Nelson General Manager John Hambleton, speaking on behalf of Air New Zealand, said the airline was pleased to be able to support the Arts Festival.

"This is an important event for Nelson and complements Air New Zealand¹s existing portfolio of Arts and Community sponsorships within New Zealand," said Mr Hambleton.

The Nelson Arts Festival is produced by the Nelson City Council as a celebration of the arts for locals and as an added attraction for visitors.

Ends

© Scoop Media