Media Release
4 December 2003
Manukau City Council supports Coke Gig Southside
Manukau City Council is promoting choice and balanced diets to young people through an agreement with the sponsor of one
of the city’s largest annual music events.
Coke Gig Southside, the annual hip-hop music festival that has been running since 2000, takes place on March 22nd at
Hayman Park. Entry to the event will be via the purchase of a Coke or diet Coke product.
Councillor S’ua William Sio said that the Council had agreed to sponsor the event on the condition that a choice of
regular and low-sugar products were promoted by the organisers.
“Council has a strategy in place to promote healthy, balanced diets and we believe that encouraging Coca-Cola to promote
choice at this event is a powerful vehicle to spread the word.”
For Coca-Cola, Coke Gig Southside provides a great opportunity to promote its message of Activity, Balance and Choice.
Region Corporate Affairs Manager, Alison Sykora, notes that the company has a policy of providing a range of drinks for
consumers to choose from as well as promoting the message that healthy weight is achieved by balancing food and drink
consumption with exercise and physical activity.
“We and our families are part of the community and share concerns about obesity in New Zealand. The energy we all
consume through various drinks needs to be considered as part of our overall energy intake,” she said.
To promote this message, tickets to Coke Gig Southside will be obtainable through either a Coca-Cola or diet Coke
purchase and a range of drinks will be featured in the fridges on stage at the event.
Additionally, a team of people will be at the event to promote balanced diets and lifestyles by providing the audience
with brochures.
“Our Activity, Balance, Choice brochures provide consumers with nutrition information about the various types of drinks
we provide, as well as giving information and advice about active lifestyles and balance,” Ms Sykora said.
Coke Gig Southside takes place at Hayman Park on Saturday 6th March.
ENDS