PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 2014
Take a New Look at Whanganui
July begins the first of Whanganui’s marketing and promotional activity to draw more visitors to the district with the
theme “Take A New Look at Whanganui”. Advertising has been booked in specialist magazines and newspaper features for
Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington. Together with selected cinema promotion to reach our domestic target audiences in
the Lower North Island and an extensive radio campaign for Wellington, the advertising will encourage people to look at
the wide range of activities available and to take a weekend break in Whanganui.
“This is the first step in building towards the summer season,” said Lyn Cheyne, Promotion and Marketing Manager for
Visit Whanganui. “We’re using bright new colours and imagery and sending a very clear message to our closest target
markets. ‘Take A New Look’ aims to get New Zealander’s considering Whanganui as a great destination for a short break –
particularly at this time of the year. With the arts, culture and heritage we have, there isn’t a shortage of things for
people to do.”
Lyn also expanded on some of the other marketing activity taking place in time for the summer season. New brochures are
being designed with an overall Visitor Guide and supplementary Arts, Heritage, Cycleways and Pathways, and Whanganui
River Road guides. A new street map will also be part of the project. New film footage is scheduled for the weekend to
replace the existing videos at the i-SITE and these short videos will also be used at expo’s and trade shows. A public
relations campaign begins at the end of the month covering a range of topics and all themed to promote a regional and
“new look” at Whanganui as a place to visit.
You might have seen a couple of the new signs around town and there will be more to come. The Visit Whanganui website
specifically aimed at visitors has been updated and an easy-to-use event calendar is in place. Further work is ongoing
with regional neighbours, Destination Manawatu and Rangitikei around cycle touring and two national tourism shows, TRENZ
and RTONZ have been attended.
Dr Eric Dorfman, Chair of Visit Whanganui, adds “It’s excellent to be able to celebrate Whanganui’s vibrancy through
this exciting new campaign. It’s an opportunity for us all to reconnect with friends and family about what our city has
to offer. A great way to support is by posting your event for free on http://WhanganuiNZ.com to give potential visitors more information about what’s on.”
Ends.