A new weekend planning tool will showcase all of New Zealand’s best local events, activities and attractions in just one place, while also raising funds for charity.

Launching 1 November, TheWeekend.nz will donate 100 percent of every basic listing fee to local causes, while bringing together everything there is to see and do across New Zealand’s 15 regions and 85 districts in one location for the first time. With one click, users will be able to search by location radius, category or keyword to plan their weekend or trip.

Founder Jacque Bloomfield created the tool to solve a key problem: the time it takes to search multiple websites and social media channels for things to do nearby, either when at home or travelling.

“Our family loves to make the most of weekends. We became frustrated at having to visit multiple regional, community and council websites, event listing sites and social media pages to find out what to see and do locally.

“Often these sites wouldn’t cover the smaller events, attractions and activities that make an area so special and we would end up missing out on a local community market, sporting event or something unique and fun that was on in town. “I wanted to create a comprehensive site that would showcase everything throughout the country– big and small – and make it quick and easy to plan for a fun a weekend. I also wanted to make sure our regions have a dedicated place to promote everything that’s special about their local area,” says Bloomfield.

TheWeekend.nz is much more than a great planning tool a key part of the site and app is paying it forward by giving to local communities.

“TheWeekend.nz’s core business is helping communities attract more people to their local events, attractions and activities, however I wanted to extend this impact further by also raising funds to give back to the communities we serve,” says Bloomfield.

The first cause to benefit from TheWeekend.nz is Lifeline Aotearoa. The funds raised will build on the good work of the charity’s current The 72 Club campaign, which encourages people to connect over food and good company.

Lifeline Fundraising Manager Dominic Boekweit says people can show their support by hosting a 72 Club meal with friends and family, and donating the funds raised to Lifeline. They can also list their community event, attraction or activity on TheWeekend.nz, with the full $10 listing fee going directly to the charity.

“Lifeline is thrilled to align with TheWeekend.nz. We have been supporting New Zealanders in crisis for over 50 years and our vision is for people to have someone who will listen, to turn to when in distress. Every donation helps us to provide suicide crisis, mental health, counselling and community support,” says Boekweit.

Looking ahead, TheWeekend.nz will support three to four New Zealand charities each year, with each fundraising campaign running for several months. The Lifeline fundraiser will run until 28 February.

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