Media release
January 16, 2007

NZ Must Retain The Tradition Kiwi Bach On The Coastlines: Bach Demand Stronger Than Last Year

New Zealand should fight to maintain the tradition of the typical Kiwi coastal bach facing pressure from coastal development, a leading holiday operator said today.

Summer holidays in the original Kiwi bach is part of the fabric of NZ society and shouldn’t be destroyed, Leslie Preston of Bachcare said today.

“Progress is fine but the NZ coastline shouldn't get turned into line of condos. There needs to be a balance between progress and sensitivity to the local environment.

“A lot of New Zealanders love the traditional beach house, as well as the renovated Kiwi bach. They don't all have to be palaces. We are certainly seeing a range of demand from the very basic bach to the exclusive holiday home.

“Certainly, the demand for the kiwi bach is not easing off. People want a choice, and Bachcare aims to service the needs of the entire holiday home market.’’

New Zealand authorities must protect the essence of local holiday community areas through robust council planning, district plans, zoning, Preston said.

She wants to see local authorities ensure that large coastal areas don’t lose the Kiwi bach community feel.

“There has been unprecedented demand for baches this summer. And, surprisingly this year, the demand continues throughout January. Last year, the demand softened, but people are now still planning on going away if they missed out. People are holidaying for longer periods too.

“I’m all for progress but we should protect bach areas for future generations.

“Our biggest areas of demand are in the Coromandel, particularly in Hahei and Cooks Beach. We have seen huge demand in these areas from both Kiwis and international visitors.

“In many instances, we had to accommodate renters desiring Hahei and Cooks Beach into the nearby areas of Whitianga or Tairua.

“The Kiwi infatuation with the good old Kiwi bach is stronger than ever. Interest has been enormous these again this year which is great.’’

Preston last year won the NZ Sales and Marketing Institute’s entrepreneur marketer of the year.

The institute said her creation of a total bach care service for owners and renters had hit a chord with holiday-makers nationwide.

Bachcare was also a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2006. Bachcare manages more than 300 holiday homes all over New Zealand. The company has doubled in volume in the last 12 months.

ENDS

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