New Partnerships Secure Womad NZ In Taranaki

Media Release: Strictly Embargoed to 12.30PM Wednesday 6 October 2010

New Partnerships Secure Womad NZ In Taranaki

WOMAD Ltd and TAFT are delighted to announce that WOMAD New Zealand, based in New Plymouth, has agreed a three-way event partnership base which secures funding for the future of the festival.

Taranaki Arts Festival Trust chief executive Suzanne Porter said she was delighted that not only has the past partnership base of Shell, Todd Energy and the New Plymouth District Council seen the value that WOMAD brings to the people of New Zealand and Taranaki, but this stellar line up of partners has been joined by New Zealand-owned TSB Bank.

WOMAD Ltd chief operating officer Mike Large said the success of WOMAD all over the world was rooted in having strong and committed partnerships. “In New Plymouth WOMAD has achieved such exceptional support across the business and public sectors it makes WOMAD Taranaki the equal of any WOMAD festival anywhere in the world.”

The partnership worth more than $1 million was today announced at a special event held on the TSB Bowl Stage in Brooklands Park. This three year investment means that WOMAD Taranaki can continue to invest in improving the festival, bringing more world class artists and reaching out to audiences across New Zealand. Today’s announcement was attended by representatives from WOMAD Ltd, and also confirmed the New Plymouth District Council as Host City Partner for the annual event.

“With such a strong partnership base, WOMAD has the support it needs to thrive and grow within New Zealand,” Ms Porter said.

TSB Bank managing director Kevin Murphy said WOMAD was a major event on the national entertainment calendar and the bank wanted to play a part in its success.

“We’re proud to be associated with WOMAD. It really is a unique cultural, musical and educational experience – and one of New Zealand’s most loved events. We’d like to help in making it even more so.”

Todd Energy and Shell New Zealand have been major supporters of WOMAD since the first event was held in New Plymouth in 2003. Now, with the seventh WOMAD in Taranaki ahead in 2011, Todd Energy and Shell were proud to renew their support for WOMAD as event partners for the next three years.

Todd Energy managing director Richard Tweedie said Todd Energy’s support of WOMAD since the first event in New Plymouth in 2003 stems from a long and positive association with the Taranaki community over the past 50 years.

“Todd Energy’s involvement with WOMAD enables us to give something back and support the strong arts community and excellent leadership in Taranaki which has seen WOMAD grow into the world class event it is today and we are very proud to be part of this inspiring cultural event.”

Shell New Zealand chairman Rob Jager said the company’s support is a strong indication of its ongoing commitment to working as part of the community that first welcomed Shell to Taranaki more than 50 years ago.

"We're 100% behind WOMAD, not only because it's a celebration of people, music and creativity. The festival also represents values shared by Shell worldwide – respect for the environment, strong local connections, and sustainability."

New Plymouth District Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow said the council was delighted to be the Host City Partner of WOMAD New Zealand, working with the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust and event partners to help ensure WOMAD becomes “an even more exciting experience”.

“WOMAD is a fantastic event and an important part of the unique cultural mix that promotes New Plymouth and Taranaki as a great place to live, work and visit. The economic, social and cultural benefits it brings to our community should not be under estimated.”

WOMAD Ltd events director Chris Smith said WOMAD festivals are a fine balance between content and location. “Brooklands Park is a superb location with its mix of a magnificent main stage and all the smaller areas that are just as important in making the festival work. We look forward to a long stay here in New Plymouth.”

WOMAD New Zealand is one of four festivals run by TAFT in New Plymouth. The event is a three day celebration of music, dance, art and cultural diversity from around the world. WOMAD New Zealand 2011 takes place at TSB Bowl and Brooklands Park from Friday 18 March to Sunday 20 March 2011.

The full programme for WOMAD New Zealand 2011, with artists from 17 countries, will be announced at the launch at Parliament on Wednesday 27 October.

ENDS

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