New train earns rewards

New train earns rewards

Improving their business and raising money for breast cancer research is a family affair for a Taranaki holiday park.

Urenui Beach Camp won the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Innovation Award at the annual Holiday Parks Awards.

The Awards ceremony was held during the holiday park sector’s annual conference, attended by about 300 Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ) members.

HAPNZ Chief Executive Fergus Brown says Urenui Beach Camp’s entry was an excellent example of recycling, developing a new product to entertain their guests, involving other local businesses and fundraising for charity.

TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the camp’s efforts show smart thinking to improve the visitor experience at relatively little cost.

Ian and Teresa Hayston, who run the camp, recycled an old ride-on mower and trailer to create the ‘Urenui Onaero Express’, a ride-on train for children and adults.

Between 26 December 2014 and 29 January 2015, about 700 people rode on the train, raising more than $1300 for Breast Cancer Cure.

The couple’s seven-year-old son, Aidan, wrote a story about the train build and this was published in book form to raise more funds for the charity.

The train is also being used at community events.

Urenui Beach Camp was also a finalist in the PGG Wrightson Turf Park Grounds Award and the Resco Best Upgrade Award.

Other Taranaki holiday parks recognised in the 2015 Holiday Parks Awards are:

• Resco Best Upgrade Award highly commended – Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park and Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
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• Seekom Innovation in Online Marketing runner up - Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
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For more information on the Holiday Parks 2015 conference, go to www.holidayparks.co.nz/conference-program

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