Media Release. For Immediate Release. 5 April 2011

Horowhenua beaches hit the big smoke

A billboard displaying an illustration of kite surfing on a Horowhenua-inspired beach has just been erected in Thorndon, Wellington, letting Wellingtonians know that Horowhenua beaches are a unique place for beach activities.

As part of a collaborative marketing campaign with its members, Nature Coast Enterprise has been working with advertising agency Luvly to create a series of striking billboards to shout out the region’s attractions.

Paul Andrews, Foxton Tourist & Development Association, says it’s great for beaches like Foxton Beach to make it to a billboard in Wellington. “Our Easter fair draws a crowd from outside the region, so anything that draws a crowd all year round is good news for us.”

Chris Barber, Chief Executive, Nature Coast Enterprise (the region’s tourism and economic development agency) says Horowhenua beaches are a unique part of New Zealand. “You can drive on the sand and it’s perfect for things like kite surfing. There’s no other place in the whole Wellington region where you can do things like that.”

Mr Barber says while Kapiti Island is one of the region’s greatest treasures, it’s nice to see other images represent the area. “We are a whole lot more than that, and our Horowhenua beaches are a great example,”

Up and coming New Zealand illustrator Gina Kiel has been commissioned to create two other similar illustrations. Gavin Bradley (Luvly, ex Saatchi & Saatchi creative director) says, “She’s an incredibly rare talent. I’ve worked with commercial illustrators in New Zealand for the past 30 years and she’d be amongst the top three.”

Other visitor highlights in the Horowhenua region include the Manawatu Estuary at Foxton Beach, home to one of New Zealand’s six Ramsar rated Wetland of International Importance; weekend and holiday accommodation at Waitarere Beach; bird attractions in Shannon in Levin, fishing in Foxton River; and the rugged landscape of Hokio Beach.

Horowhenua beaches and river mouths are ideal places for activities like sea and river fishing, white baiting, surfing, sailing, sandcastles, swimming, jet skiing, power boats and kayaks.

ENDS

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