National City Guide Launches Smartphone App and Website

MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 19th November 2014

National City Guide Launches Smartphone App and Website

It started as a pipe dream in the bedroom of a young woman’s home post-quake. Now Neat Places (www.neatplaces.co.nz) is a company that spans across four cities – Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington.

This week the nationwide guide has launched its new website and smartphone app showcasing many of the country’s ‘neat’ places.

Established in 2010 in Christchurch, Neat Places gained a strong following after the Canterbury earthquakes when locals were looking to see what places had opened and relocated.

Founder and director Marcia Butterfield says: “What started out as a personal project post-quake has become a nationwide success. I had no intention of it getting this big, but I’m excited it has. Who knows what the future will hold.”

The new Neat Places website showcases the four cities and the places, people and events that make them unique. These include; fashion, food, nightlife, arts and culture and lifestyle.

“This is not a review site. Rather than profiling your corner dairy or local fish ‘n’ chip shop, we’re showcasing businesses who are doing things a little differently – the ones you should know about, but don’t,” Butterfield says.

“No other website offers users a curated selection of the best places and events in four major cities.”

People have been saying for years that Neat Places should develop an app for smart phones, Butterfield says.

“There’s been a need for quick access to neat places and events. Now when you’re out on the street the best of the best are at your finger tips.”

The Neat Places app, which costs nothing to download, and website profile over 500 companies. The app is dual purpose. It can be used to find businesses and redeem special deals. Users can download the Neat Places app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

For companies lucky enough to be included on the new digital platforms, their listings are free. However, premium subscriptions will be introduced early next year, which will enable them to increase their reach on the site.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Neat Places Smartphone App

Discover the best places to go in New Zealand with the Neat Places smartphone app. Use the free app to find out what cafés, galleries, shops, restaurants and bars are near you, redeem exclusive deals and search for businesses based on your own unique criteria.

Features

- Browse Neat Places listings of New Zealand cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and hotels with full screen image, open hours, address and independent write up by Neat Places authors
- Offline usability (no data roaming)
- Refine listings by location and features
- Locate nearby businesses on a map and filter by category
- Contact the business directly via one touch dialing
- Redeem cool exclusive deals with local businesses.

Download the Neat Places app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

© Scoop Media