New Zealand convention centres

nelson convention bureau •
news from nelson

Spring 2005

Welcome...

Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Nelson Convention Bureau, your one-stop-shop for information and advice about Nelson as a conference destination. This issue is published on our new website which has been designed as a resource for you, the organiser. Use the site as a resource to help you make the most of what Nelson has to offer for your conference group: www.ConferencesNelsonNZ.com

Nelson Night Fever      

Nelson-based theming company, Creative Occasions, now offers atmospheric illuminated dance floors for use in any South Island venue.  Lights can be arranged using any colour scheme, and a computerized sequence is selected to create that wow factor.  The dance floor was used in July at the Inbound Tour Operators Council conference in Nelson.  The conference gala dinner featured Madsen Promotions' Bee Gees tribute show to a raputous audience at the World of WearableArt and Collectable Car Museum.    "The dance floor at WOW was great, on the first song the whole gathering ran for it - I'm glad they stopped at the dance floor!" said Steve Allen – Madsens Performer.

Creative Occasions takes no responsibility for any cheesy dance moves performed on the floors!  See  http://www.creativeoccasions.co.nz/ for more information.

Nelson has a "fine" time in Wellington      

On September 26th, guests of the Nelson Convention Bureau were treated to an exclusive viewing of a unique art exhibition held at Shed 11, in Wellington, during the WearableArt season.

The exhibition, called "fine", produced by Nelson Bays Arts Marketing, featured 28 Nelson artists and designers working with Photography, furniture, painting, ceramics, glass art, jewellery and sculpture.

"fine excited viewers to the region's diverse talent base.  We have a strong profile as a centre of creativity and as a great arts destination.  This exhibition reinforced that profile by presenting works by established artists such as Jane Evans, Ola Hoglund, and Craig Potton alongside emerging artists such as Thorkild Hansen, Kay van Dyk and Mike Hindmarsh"  said Martin Rodgers, Chief Executive of Nelson Bays Arts Marketing.

The exhibition was viewed by over 4,000 visitors, and over half of the artworks were sold.

Trailways Motor Inn Upgrades      

Trailways Motor Inn, beside the river in central Nelson has undergone a major refit this year.  The 1.5 million investment into its total new look includes improved lighting, insulation, air-conditioning, artwork, linen and general décor improvements.  This follows last years completion of the bathrooms, upgraded to provide spa baths in all 42 rooms.  All rooms riverside now have decks with outdoor furniture for guests to enjoy those sunny Nelson days, overlooking the Maitai River.

The Tides Restaurant/Bar and 100 pax conference facilities have not gone without either as all of these areas have undergone a complete décor upgrade, with the restaurant/bar patio now covered with roll-down fronts for year-round al-fresco dining.
 
Trailways Motor Inn has just been awarded a Qualmark 4 star Hotel rating which compliments the upgrade.
 
Under the Trailways Motor Inn umbrella is De Lorenzo's Studio Apartments - a Qualmark 5 star rated Self Contained Studio Apartment complex which last year had the addition of extra rooms, giving the complex a total of 27 rooms, along with a new reception area and outdoor heated pool.   Trailways are delighted to announce the return of Donna and Barry as managers to this property, who have been overseas.

Joint Venture offers Exquisite Nelson - Nelson Escapes      

Corporate Familiarisation Visit to Nelson      

The Nelson Convention Bureau and Air New Zealand hosted four corporate conference organisers (including Brian Young from Asteron, pictured) for a three-day famil programme in the Nelson Tasman region in August.  The group, which was accompanied by conference market journalist, Tracey Mehrtens, sampled the region's many conference activity options, ranging from visits to artists' studios and quad-bike riding at Happy Valley Adventures.  "The region has so much to offer.  I can't wait to come back, and it has been brought to the attention of our Chief Executive for the Asia Pacific conference next year…" said one participant.  Venues included in the programme were Awaroa Lodge, the Rutherford Hotel Nelson – A Heritage Hotel, and Hotel Monaco.

Air New Zealand's second Q300 joins the fleet      

Delivery of the second Air New Zealand 50-seater Q-300 aircraft has taken place, and will enter service on Monday 7th November.  The new planes will progressively replace all existing 33-seater Saabs, bolstering the capacity significantly on all Nelson routes.  Air New Zealand flys to Nelson direct from all three main centres over 25 times each day.

Nelson to host National i-SITE Conference      

Nelson headed off two other regions in the bid to host the Visitor Information Network's national "i-SITE" conference in September next year.   The Nelson i-SITE Manager, Charlotte Eyles is delighted with the decision, which comes just after the opening of Nelson's new state-of-the-art visitor information centre.  "We're looking forward to showing off the innovative technology used at our wonderful new i-SITE" said Ms Eyles.  Delegates at the i-SITE conference will include front line i-SITE staff from around the country, as well as representatives from Tourism New Zealand and other Regional Tourism Organisations.

Awaroa Lodge wins at the 2005 New Zealand Tourism Awards      

An integrated approach to waste management that pays dividends on the dining table has won Awaroa Lodge in the Abel Tasman National Park the Innovation in Eco-Tourism Award at the 2005 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Described as an elegant and synergistic solution to the dual issues of waste disposal and supply of premium fresh produce in a geographically isolated location, the Lodge's integrated Waste Management – Organic Garden system reflects an unrelenting drive for sustainable tourism. Waste products that were once transhipped by trailer and barge to landfill are now transformed into organic compost to feed a thriving 750sqm organic garden – and ultimately produce nutritious, creative cuisine in the lodge restaurant. This meticulously researched and planned system has achieved significant savings in fuel, labour and food costs and is instrumental to Awaroa Lodge's emerging national and international dining acclaim. Most importantly, it is part of an all-encompassing commitment to protect and enhance the stunning natural environment in which the Lodge is situated.