Social Media Takeaways from September

by October 03, 2017

Spring has most certainly sprung and it’s been a busy month all round, not just social media. You’ve got enough to worry about with the general election just happened, not to mention which way dear Winston is going to swing. Because last month’s  social media news and updates are possibly the last thing on your…

Instagram is aiming to make the platform a friendly and welcoming place where everyone can get along in its social community. All changes come with a new heart-shaped sticker and the #KindComments hashtag.

 

Instagram adds face filters to live video

Instagram filters have been readily available on video and images captured first and then posted, but now its face filters are available on live video.

This means you can customise your live videos even further and even target those audiences that have four legs and a tail [insert puppy dog filter here].

 

The latest on Twitter

Twitter doubles its tweet length

Twitter is testing extending its character count from 140 to 280 to persuade more users to use the platform. Twitter says the reason is to give you more characters to express yourself. Is my name Donald Trump, I hear you asking? What are your thoughts on the extension? Less is more, or more is …..too much?

 

The latest on Facebook

Facebook connectivity team touches down in Puerto Rico

Facebook is not only donating economically to the relief efforts of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, it’s also donating its employees!  Facebook employees are helping restore telecommunications so people can get in touch with their loved ones and rescue workers can further coordinate relief efforts. Thanks Facebook!

 

Facebook ranks the eighth most valuable brand in the world

For the first time in history, Facebook has broken into the top 10 of the world’s most valuable brands slotting into eighth position right next to Toyota and Mercedes Benz.

Interestingly, half the brands at the top of the Best Global Brands 2017 list are in the technology sector and have mastered creating experiences through technology that reinforce the value of the brand itself.

 

The latest on Snapchat

Snapchat introducing augmented reality beyond filters

Snapchat’s latest filter is yet another step further into augmented or virtual reality. Its new ‘Sky Filters’ give you the ability paint with all the colours of the wind…or, filters. Imagine being able to change the scenery to match your mood with virtual weather, sunsets, starry skies, rainbows and so on. Well, now you can! This was released on Snapchat’s sixth birthday – Happy Birthday!

 

Google and Snapchat join forces to hold the ultimate challenge for millennials

It’s no surprise that the future is technology and coding is a skill being recognised by major technology brands Google and Snapchat.

Called #MyFutureMe, the contest is to create and code an official Snap lens and accompany the entry with a 100-word statement about the ‘future you envision’. As with any great business idea, having a slick and well-rounded elevator pitch is key to success in this fast-paced and busy world. Five finalists will be sent to the TEDWomen conference in November to work with Google and Snap engineers. Interestingly, Snapchat will only verify contestants ages after finalists are selected.

Have we missed anything? Get in touch.

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Three-time Deloitte Fast 50 winner — MAXRaft recognised again for outstanding growth

by October 02, 2017

Media release from MAXRaft Queenstown-based company MAXRaft is celebrating achieving outstanding growth for the third consecutive year. Recognised as one of New Zealand’s fastest growing companies by Deloitte, the award-winning company was named the Fastest Growing Manufacturer for Dunedin and the lower South Island at the recent Deloitte Fast 50 regional awards. This is the…

MAXRaft has an expected revenue growth of over 225% for 2017, making it a serious contender for the national Deloitte Fast 50 index for the third time in a row. National winners will be announced in Auckland on November 9 as part of the Deloitte Festival of Fast Growth.

The company ranked 15 in the national index for 2016 with a growth rate of over 405%, and 33 in 2015 with growth of over 257%.

MAXRaft designs and installs the only fully-insulated concrete foundation slab on the market, credited with creating warm, healthy and energy-efficient homes from the foundation up.

Delighted with the win, MAXRaft general manager Henry Edney said the award was testament to the company’s hardworking team.

“To be ranked as one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing businesses for the third year is exceptional,” he said. “And to be twice named Fastest Growing Manufacturer for the lower South Island is outstanding.

“We have to put this down to the fact that we’re noticing an industry shift as consumers continuously strive for innovative and good quality products.

“Innovation is key to economic growth and we’re changing the way people think about foundations through the manufacture of our fully insulated slab.

“Our company has achieved impressive year-on-year growth due to our point of difference and our mission to help New Zealanders build better homes.

“And with continued revenue growth, our teams of contractors across the country and full-time onsite crews in Central Otago continue to grow.”

Launched in 2013, MAXRaft’s revolutionary residential building slab system is being continuously improved to offer New Zealanders an affordable solution for warm, healthy and energy efficient homes – saving homeowners hundreds of dollars each year on heating and health bills.

Entrants for the 2017 Fast 50 are required to be in business for a minimum of three years, and have had a minimum operating revenue of $500,000 in FY15.

Queenstown’s Deloitte Director Dan Hellyer congratulated MAXRaft for its innovation in business.

“MAXRaft has joined an exclusive club by making the Deloitte Fast 50 index for the third year in a row, a real achievement considering how hard it is to make it onto the list in any one year,” he said.

“This recognises the strategy MAXRaft has employed to get their superior product across the country quickly and have a real presence in each of their major target markets.

“Growth companies are employing more people and contributing to economic growth in our regional and national economies.

“MAXRaft has been working hard to ensure it grows in a sustainable way and they’re constantly innovating and testing new concepts to further improve their offering. We hope to see this drive push them into the Fast 50 again in 2018.”

The Deloitte Festival of Fast Growth is a full-day event where Fast 50 companies will hear from inspirational speakers, network with other winners past and present, interact with industry experts and celebrate their success.

For more information about MAXRaft go to www.maxraft.co.nz

Photo caption:

1/ MAXRaft offers warm, healthy and energy efficient homes from the foundation up

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Social Wine Bar mixologists ‘shaking things up’ at Crowne Plaza Christchurch

by October 02, 2017

Media release from Crowne Plaza Christchurch Would you like that shaken or stirred? How about both?? Crowne Plaza Christchurch has lined up ‘the best cocktail alchemists of their age’ to quench the collective thirsts of the garden city. Leading this band of ‘bar brothers’ is Social Wine Bar Manager Kolin Abassi along with Leo Bancale…

Every year Patron sets out on a worldwide quest and a handpicked cocktail wizard from each representative country goes forth on a trip of a lifetime to the grand finale in Hacienda, Mexico where the overall Patron Perfectionist will be crowned.

After logging many hours after work behind the bar, Leo’s formulating has found him in the finals of the New Zealand entries. His ‘Taitanic’ Mai Tai-inspired cocktail is blended with homemade jackfruit jam and garnished with pandan leaf, or what he likes to call the “vanilla of Asia”.

Leo is set to showcase his cocktail in Auckland on 11 October where it will be sipped, inspected and critiqued on all components from originality to aesthetics and of course, the all-important flavour. He hopes it will be more successful than the Titanic’s ability to dodge icebergs.

He isn’t alone — the bar boys are triple threats with all of them originating from long-standing hospitality backgrounds and award-winning restaurants from around the globe.

Kolin’s career started very close to home at his own mother’s restaurant in Avignon, France at the tender of 10. Subsequently he chased his passion to London and studied to become a sommelier, qualifying to work in several European Michelin-star restaurants. His habit of darting around the world and leaving broken hearts in the dust gave him the nickname ‘fantôme’, French for ‘phantom’.

“Being a part of the opening of the Social Wine Bar has meant I’ve had the opportunity to put my own twist on the cocktail menu, giving it a little ‘je ne sais quoi’” he said.

“The creative process with the mixology was fun and something we’re all very proud of.

“We work really hard on the floor here, but we like to be cheeky and have a lot of fun too, especially with our customers. We’re proud of our cocktail menu but enjoy being challenged if customers request something totally unusual.”

Leo Bancale is also a well-seasoned globetrotter and has worked in various hospitality and hotel outlets, starting in the Philippines 10 years ago and then moving around Queenstown, Australia, Auckland and now Christchurch.

“I love being on the go and being able to work in such a universal industry has let me work in some pretty cool venues,” he said.

“I also picked up some pretty fun flaring skills in Singapore which never fails to draw a bit of a crowd!”

Corey Ellis was drawn to the industry at 18 when he started waiting tables. In no time he scaled the ranks to become maître d’ of a 150- guest restaurant before helping open a Jazz and Whisky bar.

“Making people’s stay enjoyable is what I get a buzz out of, and I’ve got to admit I do throw great parties,” he said. “Funnily enough my favourite cocktail is a cosmopolitan, I appreciate a well-balanced citrus drink.”

The boys’ most recent feat is the two show cocktails they invented to help promote Social Wine Bar’s partnership as an official bar venue of the Christchurch Arts Festival.

Kolin’s concept ‘Ziggy Starman’ cocktail is a futuristic sci-fi inspired cocktail reminiscent of glam-rock pop icon Bowie himself. It is infused with mint caviar, fresh mint and vodka.

Leo’s ‘Velvet’ cocktail stirred into life from the jazzy, loud disco divas of the Arts Festival’s Velvet show and New York’s famed cocktail bar, The Clover Club, evoking the bar’s atmosphere of vintage glam.

Picture caption:

1/ Crowne Plaza Christchurch Social Wine Bar cocktail alchemists (L-R) Leo Bancale, Corey Ellis and Kolin Abassi

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Cookie Dough debuts at Queenstown Cookie Bar

by September 29, 2017

Media release from Cookie Time The world’s hottest dessert trend hits New Zealand this weekend – with No Bake Cookie Dough launching at Cookie Time’s Queenstown Cookie Bar. Whether raw or blended into ice cream, cookie dough is a major food trend, evoking the nostalgic treat of licking the baking bowl. No Bake Cookie Dough…

Already famed for its cookies and innovative cookie-related treats including freakshakes and cookie sandwiches, the Cookie Bar will roll out the Cookie Dough this weekend (Saturday September 30) in seven formats – in a ball, cup, cone, sandwich, shake, sundae or served straight up on a spoon.

“No Bake Cookie Dough is such a fun treat. It’s got that little bit of nostalgia and naughtiness from memories of licking the baking bowl. But it’s all grown up in a specific no egg, edible dough formula that tastes just sensational,” says Vicki Onions, Cookie Time International General Manager, Retail.

Made with three base doughs – classic chocolate chip, cheesecake and dark chocolate brownie – six flavours will be on offer:

  • Original Chocolate Chip
  • Confetti Cheesecake
  • Fudge Brownie Cheesecake
  • Moro Bar, fudge & sea salt
  • Double Chocolate S’more
  • Ferrero Rocher Brownie

The Queenstown Cookie Bar is Cookie Time’s New Zealand flagship retail store. Opened in May 2010, the Cookie Bar is the ultimate destination for cookie lovers, offering freshly baked cookies and their perfect partners in a vibrant magical environment that celebrates all things cookie. Cookie Time also operates a Japan flagship Cookie Bar store in Harajuku, Tokyo.

Picture caption:

1/ Queenstown Cookie Bar’s Becca Stokes holding a No Bake Cookie Dough ‘tiny cone’

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Hotel St Moritz unveils new look in the heart of Queenstown

by September 25, 2017

Media Release from Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown One of Queenstown’s finest boutique hotels, Hotel St Moritz, has unveiled its new-look rooms and suites following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment completed to coincide with the start of the resort’s vibrant summer season. This charming and singular property, a member of the global MGallery by Sofitel collection, revealed its…

Mr Harris has worked with the hotel since its development in 1998 and has delivered a distinguished design retaining the hotel’s charming alpine character. His brief was to firmly reflect the Central Otago landscape, and to bring a sense of cocooning and serenity to the special location.

Hotel St Moritz General Manager Jo Finnigan expressed her delight with the new look and is certain that the renovation will continue to elevate the boutique hotel in the luxury market.

“Hotel St Moritz’s unique personality is perfectly matched with the open-minded character of the MGallery by Sofitel brand, and I’m delighted with how Stewart has animated our personality through this design,” she says.

“Stewart’s design embodies the style, stories and allure of Queenstown with a whimsical twist. He cleverly brings together ‘charming’ with ‘luxury’.

“The refurbishment demonstrates our owner’s obsession with quality and I’m convinced we’ll remain a one-of-a-kind as ‘there’s zero homogeny in this building’!”

Rooms feature carefully selected artwork showcasing local rural fauna, including an earnest Hare fondly named Bruce after a regular guest.

A touch of Scottish heritage married with the region’s charm comes to the fore with tartan cushions offset with deep velvets in rich ochre, deep teal and copper. Autumnal colours throughout also reflect the local landscape.

The thoughtful touches include bespoke gold and cream herringbone woollen throws in each suite, designed by Ms Finnigan.

Kitchenettes in each suite have been replaced with a modern wet bar, albeit functional kitchen appliances such as toasters and microwaves remain. All suites now feature a Nespresso machine for those essential coffee moments.

Staying connected to the outside world is easy with new and enhanced cabling ensuring high-speed internet and brand-new Smart TV’s featured throughout the hotel bring a new level of entertainment to the property.

Hotel St Moritz was developed by owner and original developer Graham Wilkinson in 1998. The hotel is currently New Zealand’s only MGallery by Sofitel property, joining a collection of 90 boutique hotels around the world.

AccorHotels Senior Vice President Operations, New Zealand, Fiji and Polynesia Gillian Millar says today’s guests are enamoured by the MGallery by Sofitel brand, seeking to “show in, rather than show off”.

“Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown embodies the understated luxury of the brand, and this tremendous refurbishment reinforces that,” she says.

“Their timing is impeccable, as Queenstown’s visitor demand is unprecedented, particularly at the luxury end of the spectrum.”

Click here to visit Hotel St Moritz’s website.

Picture caption:

1/ Designer Stewart Harris brings the allure of Central Otago into Hotel St Moritz

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Community invited to vote on Ziptrek locals day recipient in Queenstown

by September 21, 2017

Media release from Ziptrek Ecotours Queenstown tourism company Ziptrek Ecotours is taking its Locals Day to a whole new level. The multi-award-winning company is giving its local community the chance to vote on which one of three local voluntary organisations should receive thousands of dollars from their annual fundraising day. The company has chosen what…

Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue, the local high school’s Branches Charitable Trust and the Queenstown Fire Brigade are all volunteer organisations working tirelessly in the district.

They each feature on Ziptrek’s website with an explanatory paragraph on who they are and what they do, and a short video in which the representatives talk about why they should be chosen.

Branches Camp is a 12-day Wakatipu High School Year 10 outdoor camp held in remote Skippers Canyon. It’s regarded as a ‘rite of passage’ by all past and present students, and the Trust was formed in 2009 by locals concerned with escalating costs of running the camp.

Trust chair Louise Ward said as the costs of providing health and safety plans and guides increased each year, the goal of the Trust was to keep costs to students and families to a minimum “so every child in the Wakatipu can afford to go”.

The Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team is a small, high-profile group of professionally-trained and enthusiastic alpine rescue personnel who operate beyond the scope of normal ambulance, fire LandSAR search teams or police rescue services.

“We help people who can’t help themselves, anywhere that’s steep and difficult where you need technical equipment and competency,” said representative Chris Prudden. “We need a lot of support because ongoing equipment and training costs chew up the money.”

Last but not least, the 100% volunteer Queenstown Fire Brigade features about 50 members from all around the world, operating since 1863 and responding to over 300 calls a year.

Fireman Jesse Johnston said the brigade was “eternally grateful” to members employers who supported their roles. It’s also very appreciative of donations from the community, which is used to provide specialist training for brigade members and fund the purchase of key equipment required by the brigade.

Locals are being encouraged to go to the website to check the links and vote for the organisation they believe is most deserving of the locals’ day proceeds.

Ziptrek have supported seven local groups since opening in 2009, including Lakes Family Centre, Youth Booth, Wakatipu Search & Rescue, Kiwi Birdlife Park, St Johns Ambulance, Queenstown Scouts and Wakatipu Reforestation Trust, raising over a whopping $150K in total.

Voting closes on Saturday September 30 and the locals day will be held on Sunday October 29 2017.

On Locals Day, the local community is given the chance to experience the thrill-seeking fun of Ziptrek for a heavily discounted price. A significant proportion of the proceeds will go to the chosen charity.

Trent Yeo said the company was “dedicated and passionate” about helping another worthwhile local community cause as it “forms part of what Ziptrek stands for.

Leading the way in zipline innovation and sustainable business practice, Ziptrek Ecotours launched in New Zealand in November 2009 and since then has completed nearly three-quarters of a million zips through the forest canopy on Queenstown Hill on ‘gravity fed ziplines’.

For more information on each of the deserving organisations and to vote click HERE.

Picture caption:

1/ A Ziptrek Ecotours guest enjoying the view of Queenstown while ‘zipping’ through the trees

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Ziptrek Ecotours enhances social and digital sphere with new appointment

by September 15, 2017

Media Release from Ziptrek Ecotours Innovative zipline company Ziptrek Ecotours has this week appointed experienced influencer Joe Di-Gesse as its first social media and digital guru. Joe is working as a marketing executive for the company and comes with a solid background of four years in digital marketing, specializing in social media. Originating from the…

Previously he worked for social media agency Gumption alongside strong brands such as Cheddar Gorge and Longleat Safari Park.

Working with Ziptrek is his first adventure tourism role and he said he was looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that offered.

“My previous roles have been B2B focused, so this will be an exciting change doing the social media marketing for a world-renowned brand such as Ziptrek Ecotours,” he said.

“The new position recognises the ever-increasing importance of social and digital in business, and even more so for tourism businesses.”

His love for the outdoors and a need for a break from city life brought Joe to Queenstown with no intention of taking up a permanent role, but he said the opportunity with Ziptrek was “too good” to pass up.

“Coming from a city, I relish the fact that Queenstown has that friendly small city feel, but you wake up every day surrounded by mountains.”

Ziptrek Ecotours Sales and Marketing Manager Nicky Busst said they were “excited” to welcome Joe to the team.

“The Ziptrek team is expanding as our business continues to grow, and it’s perfect timing for Joe to come on board as we head into our busy summer season,” she said.

“He’s a great cultural fit for us and we’re hugely excited to be working with him in growing the integrated social and digital side of our business.

“We’ve known the importance of being proactive in the digital and social spaces for quite some time.

“Joe’s role will help us drive online sales and opportunities in this market and stay ahead of the game.”

Leading the way in zipline innovation and sustainable business practice, Ziptrek Ecotours launched in New Zealand in November 2009 and since then has completed nearly three-quarters of a million zips through the forest canopy on ‘gravity fed ziplines’.

For more information visit Ziptrek Ecotours’ website HERE

Picture caption:

1/ New Ziptrek Ecotours Marketing Executive Joe Di-Gesse brings social media and digital marketing experience to the business

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Work underway on Remarkables Residences residential townhouse development in Queenstown

by September 15, 2017

Media Release from Bayleys and GYP Properties Pte Ltd A significant milestone has been reached with work underway on Queenstown’s Remarkables Residences – a $200m residential development comprising three to five-bedroom multi-storey townhouses in the popular Frankton area. As tourism and population growth continue to fuel demand in New Zealand’s favourite playground, the Singaporean developer…

The development is being driven by GYP Properties Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore public-listed Global Yellow Pages Limited, and marketed by the Bayleys Realty Group.

Established local civil contractor Andrew Haulage has been appointed to carry out earthworks and roading, and the first sod was turned late last month with machinery already on site.

An announcement on the appointment of the building company will follow soon.

Fifty-six homes in Stage One went on the market just over two months ago, ranging in price from $860,000 to $985,000. Buyer enquiry has been strong, and only a handful of homes remain on sale in Stage One, which is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2018/19.

Bayleys Project Sales Manager John Greenwood said the company was “delighted” with the response to date.

“A good majority of enquiry in Queenstown has been from those walking in to our display suite in the Five Mile retail and business centre, just across the road from the development,” he said.

“Potential buyers have been showing high levels of interest when coming through, with real interest from the local market as well as Auckland.

“Buyers are a good mix of owner-occupiers who see the location as being at the heart of the ‘new Queenstown’, and investors who see the real need for permanent rental accommodation in the town.”

The proximity to four local ski fields makes the residences highly desirable for skiers and travellers, so those investing from elsewhere can enjoy excellent rental returns.

Master planning around the development ensures residents and visitors will be surrounded by exciting lifestyle amenities, including retail and dining.

The development offers flexibility for a range of potential buyers with a wide variety of house designs and configurations. These architecturally-designed homes include three to five-bedroom options, some with additional studio or office spaces. The ‘less-than-$1m’ price tag has been seen as “fantastic value” for many buyers to date.

The display suite at Five Mile Centre is open 10am to 4pm daily with local realtors Sheryl Williams and Mark Martin from Bayleys Queenstown available to meet potential buyers. To register interest or request further information go to www.remarkablesresidences.co.nz

About Remarkables Residences

Master-planned by Development Advisory Services and designed by Auckland-based Ignite Architects, these are well-built, stylish and low-maintenance homes that are a very modern interpretation of popular developments of this kind.

Different building forms within each street offer individuality amidst a community, while each residence is thoughtfully designed to optimise sun and natural light. Quality fixtures and fittings are used alongside energy-efficient design elements for year-round comfort.

Green spaces incorporated in the development include a main public square and smaller Pocket Parks throughout the area. There are good links to surrounding biking and walking tracks, as well as easy access to public transport.

Remarkables Residences is in one of the most accessible parts of Queenstown, close to the airport and a very short walk to retail and hospitality outlets. It is just 15 minutes from central Queenstown and Arrowtown, and 30 minutes to ski fields.

Picture caption:

1/ The Remarkables Residences development uses neighbourhood architecture to create unique streetscapes

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Christchurch-based creative Amy Forsyth joins SPR

by September 13, 2017

Delighted to announce that we’ve introduced yet another creative to the Southern PR team! Amy Forsyth hails from Christchurch as she joins us to expand SPR’s communication services to her beloved hometown. After working in one of Auckland’s biggest PR agencies, she’s back and fizzing that she gets to get work within a busy agency…

We’ve asked her all the hard questions here so you don’t have to…

Who are you and what’s your role at SPR?

Amy Forsyth, Account Executive and the first SPR ambassador for the Christchurch region.

What excites you about a career in PR and communications?

Keeping up to date with businesses and industries, listening to people’s stories of their objectives and issues and getting their identity to where they want to be. The level of problem solving and strategic thinking that goes into PR planning is not something that’s taught at University. It’s all about intuition, keeping up with affairs, knowing who’s who, and following the forever changing digital and communications landscape.

What’s your connection to the Garden City (aka Christchurch)?

Christchurch is my home! I’ve lived here all my life so I’m very aware of the changes and the opportunities that are in motion. After returning from work experience in Auckland, I’m also now working part-time at Crowne Plaza Christchurch as their Marketing Coordinator. Being so familiar with the city and media industry means I’m up-to-speed with the number of new businesses and inspiring individuals with fantastic new services, products or events on offer as the city springs back to life. I’m working on helping some of them get their key messages and branding across to the right audience.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

I’m admittedly a bit of a book nerd, so I have to say it would be Roald Dahl. His imaginative stories always resonate with me, even as an adult. His own life stretched over some significant historical events and happenings, so listening to his life stories would be unreal.

How do you keep up with today’s 365/24/7 news cycle?

Every morning with breakfast I check all major news platforms, regularly watch the news, and my Sunday ritual is to have breakfast with the Sunday paper whether I’m out for brunch, or at home I enjoy taking it all in in print. I also follow local online business directories like Neat Places, POA and CHCHcentral, and of course love to keep up with all the latest society trends through publications like Cityscape, Metropol, Style Mag and naturally also via social media.

It’s all about checking into the right sources and creating routine for enabling time to keep as updated as possible.

One of your best and most valuable learning experiences to date? Any advice/learnings from internships?

My most important piece of advice thus far in my career would be understanding that when you are on your client’s time it’s as though you work for the company directly yourself. You want to listen and absorb the feeling of their identity, gather a full picture of their background operations and understand how they want others to hear them; the real essence of their business.

Want to know more? Get in touch with Amy.

 

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Very Important Kids are the VIPs at Holiday Inn Rotorua

by September 11, 2017

Media Release and Video from Holiday Inn Rotorua There are plenty of hotels out there that SAY they put the kids first. And then there’s Holiday Inn Rotorua – not only offering families a big ‘wallet-saver’ with its popular Kids Stay & Eat Free package, but going the extra mile for families with the creation…

Being a part of the VIK Programme is easy and free for families. It’s as simple as picking up a green wrist band for the kids on check-in, a band that unlocks over $300 savings at some of Rotorua’s top family attractions.

To receive the discounts, all families need to do is show the green band at their chosen attraction. The logos of each attraction are on the band and families get a detailed booklet explaining what’s on offer at each one.

The discounts are for attractions and activities including OGO, aMAZEme, Rainbow Springs, Agrodome, Agroventures Adventure Park, Motion Entertainment, Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village and Mountain Bike Rotorua.

The value-for-money programme also includes free meals for kids 12 and younger at Holiday Inn Rotorua’s Chapman’s Restaurant, renowned for its delicious selection of buffet dishes suitable for all ages, taste buds and even the fussiest of eaters.

With this year’s Term Three holidays starting on September 30, one lucky family has the chance to win a two-night relaxing family break at Holiday Inn Rotorua including family passes to any of the attractions in the VIK programme.

Entering is easy – just head to the hotel’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HolidayInnRotorua/ and guess how many green bands are in the jar before 9pm on September 24 2017.

The first person to correctly guess the number (or the closest to) will win the prize for their family, to be used by December 31 2017. The prize is for two adults and two children 12 years or younger, and does not include travel to, from or within Rotorua. (Some blackout dates may apply.)

General Manager Kent Breeze said there was no ‘catch’ in the competition or the range of programmes on offer.

“We just put families at the heart of everything we do because we know how important it is for parents to have the relaxing break they deserve while the kids are taken care of,” he said.

“The family-first concept began in 1952 when a father named Kemmons Wilson was sick of being charged extra to have kids at hotels, so he started his own hotel company where kids were not only welcomed but they got to stay and eat for free.

“That was the beginning of the Holiday Inn brand and that same concept still applies today at Holiday Inn Rotorua where we’re committed to providing family-friendly travel options.”

Mr Breeze said the Kids Stay & Eat programme had always been a huge success, and the VIK package just added to the overall experience.

“The attractions we’ve partnered with are fantastic, offering something for all the family to enjoy. Kids can be entertained, educated, enthralled, and of course re-fuelled at our famous Chapman’s Buffet, and the savings are well worth it. All you have to do is choose to stay at Holiday Inn Rotorua.”

Located next to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Redwoods Forest, Holiday Inn Rotorua is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, Maori culture and a bustling hub of “thrill-seeking” activity.

Families continually rave about the geo-thermally heated outdoor pool which is warm year-round and has views of the geysers, and the delicious buffet options at Chapman’s Buffet Restaurant.

For further information go to rotorua.holidayinn.com/vik

Watch the VIK campaign video: holidayinn.nz/ROTHI-VIK

Picture caption:

1/ Kids celebrating on the Holiday Inn Rotorua sign

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Social Media Takeaways from August

by September 05, 2017

Feeling overwhelmed with the latest social media trends? Stay on top of news and updates with our NEW social media takeaway blog. We’ve compiled a list of updates, big and small, so you stay up to date with platform changes. The latest on social media for Instagram Happy Birthday Instagram Stories The beloved Instagram Stories…

One in five organic Stories earns a direct message from a potential customer, so happy storytelling Instagrammers!

 

Instagram added conversation threads to comments

The conversation threads update, available with Instagram version 24 or above, makes it easy to connect and respond to a specific conversation. When users hit ‘reply’, the comment now appears in a ‘nested thread’ similar to Facebook.

 

Instagram gets savvy with a choice of image orientations

As of last week (August 30), Instagram has given users the ability to share multiple images and videos in portrait and landscape orientations. Content must be consistent as there’s still restrictions on different formats (square, portrait and landscape) when sharing multiple visuals.

 

The latest on social media for Twitter

Twitter celebrates 10 years of the hashtag

A decade ago, Twitter user Chris Messina pitched the idea of ‘the hashtag’ and changed our online conversations forever.

His idea? Simple! The ‘#’ symbol could make for a better user experience by grouping tweets together. Now, the hashtag has evolved from being an unused symbol on our computer keyboards to becoming the heart of every PR and social media campaign created today.

Happy birthday ‘#’!

 

The latest on social media for Facebook

Facebook adds functions for 360-degree images

Facebook now lets you shoot 360-degree images directly on the Facebook app. The coolest thing? You can now use those images as your cover image – look for the new ‘360 photo’ option in your status bar.

The function is soon to come for video.

 

Facebook adds new controls for influencer and brand collaboration

With influencer marketing spend on the rise, Facebook is technically ‘making it easy’ by enabling brands to boost content as it appears on the influencers Facebook page.

 

The latest on social media for LinkedIn

LinkedIn adds an in-app video creation tool

Although a bit late to the video content party, LinkedIn has added the capability for users to shoot and upload native video. The feature enables users to spark engagement and build relationships/connect with professional networks by increasing productivity through ‘work hack’ videos or sharing your front row seats at a national conference.

Have we missed anything? Get in touch.

 

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Crowne Plaza Christchurch design agency a finalist in national award

by September 04, 2017

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Christchurch The design agency responsible for the creative magic that transformed a former office building into the stunning new Crowne Plaza Christchurch is a finalist in a national design award. New Zealand design agency Designworks has been named a finalist in the Best Design Awards for its innovative and fresh…

Designworks architect Naomi Rushmer said the company was “thrilled” to be a finalist.

“It’s great news, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the new design to a wider audience,” she said.

For Crowne Plaza Christchurch, she said the company focused on delivering a creative guest experience based around being welcomed into the property, and how that flowed into relaxation, eating and working across the entire hotel.

“Our brief was to create a premium 4.5 star-hotel experience that put a ‘fresh spin’ on the Crowne Plaza brand as well as making it work locally, and to ignite the theatre and drama of the nearby Performing Arts Precinct,” said Ms Rushmer.

“As the city’s largest hotel, attracting locals and those from across the globe, the design needed to deliver an exciting and unique experience maximizing the 360-degree views of the Port Hills, Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean.”

Designworks centred its thinking around a ‘new energy” in Christchurch.

On arrival at the 204-room hotel, guests are greeted with a welcoming and boldly-crafted interior featuring timber slats wrapping the walls, accentuating height and anchoring the lobby space.

A large freeform mesh ceiling feature glows over the reception pods, inspired by the winding Avon River. The space connects to the adjacent lobby bar through a striking doubled-sided central fireplace, helping draw guests inside.

“The fireplace is very impressive, adding some real drama and mood to the space,” said Ms Rushmer.

Full-height windows flood the ground floor with natural light during the day, and carefully curated and dramatic lighting brings the spaces to life, changing mood and atmosphere, as dusk falls.

The food and beverage experience has been designed as ‘open and theatrical’, showcasing local cuisine from within a crafted café, sophisticated lobby bar and Market Place restaurant, named after the original market on site.

A grand open staircase connects to first floor dining, library and meeting rooms, and feature carpets and rugs draw inspiration from the braided rivers and topography of the South Island.

To maximize the feeling of space in guest rooms and engage with expansive views, glazed bathrooms (with privacy blinds) are open to the rooms and changing vistas.

Large window seats in every room frame the ever-changing views – the seats are designed with portable tables so guests can rest, work and eat from this unique spot.

Ms Rushmer said balancing the needs of brand owner IHG and the building owners had enabled Designworks to deliver a “world-class” design.

Crowne Plaza Christchurch General Manager Reinier Eulink said the hotel team and owners were “delighted” with the stylish look and feel of the property.

“The feedback we’ve had from guests, locals and those using our meeting rooms or food and beverage spaces has been hugely complimentary and we wish Designworks all the best for the awards,” he said.

The Best Design Awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on October 6.

Picture caption:

1/ The grand open staircase at Crowne Plaza Christchurch is brought to life with dramatic lighting features. Photo credit: Designworks

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