Crowne Plaza Christchurch launches event and conference spaces

Media release from Crowne Plaza Christchurch The new Crowne Plaza Christchurch is setting itself up for business success – with the launch of four modern and versatile event and conferencing spaces. The eagerly-awaited property is now open for bookings and will be the largest upscale hotel in the Christchurch CBD with 204 rooms. Crowne Meetings…

“This hotel offers a range of inspiring workshop or brainstorming places to meet and connect, all delivered with our signature Crowne Plaza service,” she said.

“We’re offering four spaces specifically designed to ensure the success of any client’s business function, with the flexibility to accommodate a range of events from smaller meetings through to large-scale presentations.”

Located on the first floor of the landmark hotel there are three separate boardrooms featuring views of the Victoria Square parkland, and a larger premium meeting space.

The Golden Fleece room seats up to 150 theatre or cocktail style, or 90 banquet style, and includes dual projection screens and built-in audio.

The Ellis, Gartner and Oram rooms cater for 10 to 14 guests boardroom style. Groups can combine two or all three of the rooms for a medium-sized space filled with natural light.

The names of the meeting spaces pay homage to the early history of Victoria Square. One of the city’s first hotels, The Golden Fleece, once occupied the site of the new Crowne Plaza.

The brand new rooms and meeting spaces offering the latest technology are online now for bookings from August 1 2017, and Ms Zwarts said they would be “a great step forward” for the regenerating city.

“From the moment you book your event, you can be confident you’re in the best hands with our friendly and knowledgeable team to ensure it runs seamlessly and efficiently,” she said.

Other spaces within the hotel available for event bookings include Café 1851 on the ground-floor, the stunning 80-seat Market Place Restaurant or even the cosy first-floor hotel library.

Groups staying at the hotel are guaranteed a great night’s sleep – with new beds in comfortable ‘zen-like’ rooms and a range of flexible Executive, Deluxe and Superior configurations.

Conference guests can stay connected throughout the hotel with free WiFi. Guest room technology includes Samsung smart TV’s with Bluetooth connectivity, mobile device mirroring and USB docks.

The new hotel’s central location means guests can step out of the front door with city attractions, shops and entertainment, and Hagley Park’s green open spaces on the doorstep.

General Manager Reinier Eulink has returned to Christchurch to open the new property. He most recently spent five successful years leading Crowne Plaza Queenstown, during which time it won multiple travel and tourism awards.

Conference or meetings bookers are recognised and rewarded for choosing Crowne Plaza Christchurch with the IHG Business Rewards programme. Points can be redeemed for free room nights, gift vouchers and an extensive range of other offers.

With the opening of the new Crowne Plaza Christchurch, IHG will operate six properties in New Zealand including Crowne Plaza hotels in Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch, two Holiday Inn properties in Rotorua and at Auckland Airport, and the InterContinental Wellington.

Click here to visit Crowne Plaza Christchurch’s website.

Photo credit:

1/ The new Crowne Plaza Christchurch will add four flexible event and conferencing spaces to the city

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Queenstown’s Five Mile retail centre welcomes opening of The Warehouse

Media release from Five Mile Retail and Business Centre Queenstown’s Five Mile retail centre today (Thursday March 30) welcomed the opening of the country’s largest retail giant The Warehouse. The spacious new store officially opened its doors at 8.30am this morning, welcomed by Five Mile centre management and praised by civic leaders. Queenstown Mayor Jim…

He said the rate of population growth in Queenstown was three times the national average, accompanied by a 19 percent increase in traffic volume over the course of a year on the state highway adjoining Five Mile.

“Five Mile and the Frankton Flats area very much cater for the locals and the opening of the store here reflects the progression of the district,” he said.

“I’m delighted at the design effort that’s gone into The Warehouse store as it complements the surroundings well and reflects the fact that this is such a beautiful part of New Zealand.”

The Warehouse CEO Pejman Okhovat, opening the store alongside Regional Manager Daniel Prew, joined Store Manager Mark Dooley in officially opening the store.

Mr Okhovat said the Five Mile location offered customers improved flexibility and longer opening hours so they could shop at a time to suit them.

Mr Dooley said the new store was 25 percent larger, had created an additional 12 new full-time equivalent roles, and included the addition of a garden centre.

“We’re very excited to have opened our doors at Five Mile and part of the reason for being in this growing retail centre is the high foot traffic.”

Five Mile Centre Manager Eric Nauta described The Warehouse as a “landmark” new building for the centre.

“The ease of access to all our retail outlets and businesses is a huge bonus for our local Queenstown community because now they can get whatever they want without having to go out of their way.

“The Warehouse is now an integral part of Five Mile and a very attractive one at that, with its glass atrium-like entrance and feature wooden panelling bringing a stylish aesthetic to Five Mile.”

Five Mile is an expanding retail centre at the gateway to Queenstown, currently featuring 27 retail outlets and nine office-based businesses. The centre continues to expand with more outlets opening and a further stage of development expected to start later this year.

Click here to visit Five Mile’s website.

Picture caption:

1/ Five Mile Centre Manager Eric Nauta (R) officially welcomes The Warehouse store manager Mark Dooley to the centre in Queenstown

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Exciting new hospitality venture for historic Queenstown building

Media release from The World Bar The creative minds behind The World Bar will take over the historic McNeill’s Cottage on Church Street – renowned for its timeless character and original thick stone walls. The World Bar collaborators Steve Ward and Gary Livesey will take over the cottage – currently occupied by Italian restaurant Sasso…

The concept is still under wraps but the inventive duo say plans are to complement downtown Queenstown’s vibrant hub by offering barista coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner and diverse live entertainment.

Director Gary Livesey said he was hugely excited to be working on a new project.

“This project’s been in the pipeline for a while,” he said.

“We’re passionate about the hospitality industry and love creating fun, interesting venues that our customers enjoy hanging out in.

“The venue will be an interesting addition to the distinctive businesses in the Church Street area, just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the lakefront.

“We’re in the process of sketching and designing the venue ourselves, and can’t wait to unveil some surprises over the coming months.
“It’s a brand new concept, totally separate to The World Bar. We’ve put a lot of thought into the design of the space so that the vibe can evolve throughout the day to deliver bespoke experiences for our breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night guests.”

The new-look McNeill’s is set to embrace art, food, music, drinks, performance and drama and become a popular locals’ hangout and a home-away-from-home for the experience-driven traveller.

Picture caption:

1/ New World Bar venture – taking over the historic McNeill’s Cottage in Queenstown

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Crowne Plaza Auckland gives Lightbulb Trade Relay project a boost

Media release from Crowne Plaza Auckland Crowne Plaza Auckland has stepped up to help a young New Zealand girl raise funds to help find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Australian-born teenager Sakira Knights, 13, has embarked on a journey to help two of Australasia’s research centres find a cure for the disease by setting up…

Crowne Plaza Auckland has traded a three nights’ stay in one of its incredible Executive Suites – a multi-level room with incredible views of the city, plus breakfast daily for two valued at $2,150 — for a previously donated Peregrine Wine voucher.

The latest trade (trade 7) happened yesterday Monday March 27 2017.

The hotel has helped mentor her throughout the school project and IHG’s Marketing Manager Rachel Peacock said the property was “delighted” to help Sakira on her journey.

“We were inspired by Sakira’s idea of the Lightbulb Trade Relay and have loved being a part of her project,” she said. “We can’t wait to see how far she goes.”

Ms Peacock said one of Crowne Plaza Auckland’s mottos was to strive for success.

“Sakira is the perfect example that at any age you can reach for the stars and achieve incredible things, and we’re thoroughly impressed with her determination and passion to support the research centres.”

Happy with the trade, Sakira Knights said she was “incredibly excited” that Crowne Plaza Auckland agreed to being part of the trade relay.

They are a fantastic hotel sought after by many companies and they have been very generous,” she said. I can’t thank the team enough for mentoring me through my project.”

“I will continue to trade throughout New Zealand and hopefully Australia until late October, so would love to invite companies to check out the Facebook page and jump on board!

“Hopefully by all working together we can make a difference in the world and help find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.”

The Neurological Foundation Douglas Human Brain Bank, based in Auckland, and Shake It Up Australia Foundation, based in Silverwater New South Wales, are fully on board with Sakira’s fundraising efforts and look forward to receiving the cheques later this year.

For further information on the Lightbulb Trade Relay project go to https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=lightbulb%20trade%20relay

Click here to visit Crowne Plaza Auckland’s website.

Picture caption:

1/ Thirteen-year-old Sakira Knights with “Lex” the lightbulb

 

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Peregrine Wines secures US distribution

Media release from Peregrine Wines One of Central Otago’s premium wine producers is celebrating signing an exclusive business agreement that will see its wines distributed the length and breadth of the US. The long-term relationship between Peregrine Wines and Vineyard Brands – a medium-sized, quality-focussed importer of international wines – was cemented this month when…

His meeting with Peregrine Wines’ owners the McLachlan family will see Peregrine Wines continue as its sole New Zealand wine producer after the two businesses signed a long-term agreement.

Mr Doody also introduced Vineyard Brands’ recently-appointed New Zealand Brand Manager Tommy Oldre to the Peregrine team.

“This is a huge milestone for us because it gives us the reach into the world’s biggest wine market with nationwide placement, something we never envisaged we would have access to,” said Peregrine Wines managing director Lindsay McLachlan.

“We’re absolutely thrilled they have selected us; delighted they enjoy the wines and recognise the quality. What we have here is a long-term channel to be able to take wines we’re really proud of to a huge wine market, and we couldn’t do it without them.

“As a result of this trip they’ll take the range of wines we make because they’re committed to building the Peregrine brand in the US and already have a growing market for our stunning Pinot Noirs.

“Those Pinots are already distributed across 30 states and this agreement will broaden that portfolio.”

Figures show that the US was the largest export market for New Zealand wine in the world in 2015, overtaking Australia, and is on a rapid growth path for New Zealand wine exports.

Greg Doody said his company was “quite picky” about who they worked with but that they “loved the wines and the people” at Peregrine.

“We’re a family business and so are they; we have a good track record of working with families looking to the future, planting for their children or grandchildren,” he said.

“There’s a really good story to tell about Peregrine and Central Otago back in the US and that’s important to us when we’re so much more than a delivery system. We can ‘sell’ that story to our distributors and in turn their sales reps can sell it to retail outlets and restaurants.

“We work across all 50 states which is very different to a lot of US importers and we’re now in a good position to cement this business relationship because Peregrine has become established. We’re investing in the brand from our perspective.”

Both Mr Doody and Mr McLachlan said they shared the same philosophy when it came to being ‘hands on’ in their business.

“If your goal is to capture the hearts and minds of your sales people then the way to do it is to come here to meet the winemakers, see how people are treated, and understand how being clean, green and organic makes better wine, which in turn tells a better story,” said Mr Doody.

“Our clients in the US want to feel that the wine was grown somewhere, not made somewhere. They want to ‘feel’ the people in the wine.

“The US overtook France as the world’s largest consumer of wine back in 2013. Our consumers are now much smarter, millennials who want authenticity and transparency, to find out what the wine is all about.”

Although the Vineyard Brands company was founded in 1970, Mr Doody said the founding family of Vineyard Brands originally started in 1928 with one Burgundy vineyard.

“We still work with that vineyard so that’s proof that we tend to stick with people and they stick with us, which is good news for Peregrine!”

Mr McLachlan acknowledged that while Peregrine Wines was thrilled to have been chosen by Vineyard Brands, the brand had built on the loyalty of its New Zealand-based customers

“Everything we’ve done has been done to ensure we never rock that core, because they’re our foundation stone,” he said. “We’re careful not to ever be fully reliant on one market.”

Peregrine Wines produced its first vintage in 1998, and although known as a specialist multi-award-winning Pinot Noir house it also produces excellent Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wine.

Click here to visit Peregrine Wines’ website.

Picture caption:

1/ Toasting the future of Peregrine Wines and Vineyard Brands are (L to R) Tommy Oldre, Greg Doody, Lindsay McLachlan and Fraser McLachlan

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Fox chases name on ISPS Handa New Zealand Open trophy

Media release from ISPS Handa New Zealand Open With ducks gliding across the pond which curls around Millbrook’s 18th green and the sun beaming down, it was very much the calm before the storm for Kiwi golf star Ryan Fox ahead of the opening round of the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open starting in Queenstown…

“It’s been very close of late. I’ve been playing pretty nicely without putting any scores on the board. The goal this week is to be in contention come Sunday afternoon and anything can happen from there. I’d love to see my name on the trophy at the end of the week.”

In a drought those ducks would not appreciate, it has been 14 years since a New Zealander has held the Brodie Breeze Trophy.

Fox and Williams both believe this could be the year a local can conquer the fairways and greens at Millbrook and The Hills.

“We’ve got a lot of Kiwi guys playing well and it’s certainly the year to do it. Hopefully it’s me, but if it’s not me, there’s a few other guys with a chance this week,” Fox said.

“For me, I think the golf courses are playing a little tougher than they have in previous years. The greens are pretty firm and definitely around The Hills there’s a lot of the long stuff if you miss fairways. It might be a little more penalising, but there’s definitely some good scores to be had.”

Williams, who has worked with some of the best in the game, including 13 major championship victories with Tiger Woods, has had to learn some new tricks as part of his fledgling association with Fox.

While the pair enjoyed ribbing Fox senior during their Tuesday round, working with 30-year-old Fox will mean plenty of mental arithmetic for Williams this week.

“I’ve caddied for 40 years and never caddied for a player who plays in metres. I’ve got to get my head around that pretty quickly,” Williams, who has always worked in yards, said.

“I haven’t caddied for a New Zealander since 1979 (Sir Bob Charles). I’m ticking off something on my bucket list to caddy for a New Zealander at a New Zealand Open, so I’m really looking forward to the week.”

Also flying the New Zealand flag in Queenstown this week will be the likes of Michael Hendry, Josh Geary and Gareth Paddison.

The international charge will be led by Korea’s Y.E. Yang, the first Asian to win a major with that famous victory over Tiger Woods, and four-time US PGA Tour winner, American Heath Slocum.

The past five New Zealand Open champions, all Australians, are also amongst the field, including defending champion Matt Griffin, top of the Australasian Tour OOM; 2014 winner Dimitrios Papadatos who won the Victorian Open two weeks ago and 2011 champion Brad Kennedy, who was 11th on the Japan Tour OOM last year.

The 93rd ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a NZ$1 million Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour, and is being played at Millbrook Resort and The Hills from 9-12 March.

Click here to visit ISPS Handa New Zealand Open’s website.

Photo caption:

1/ Ryan Fox and Steve Williams talk to the media at the Millbrook Resort today

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Kiwi Olympian Tom Walsh living the dream at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

Media Release from ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Olympic shot put medallist Tom Walsh is living the dream this week – playing golf with some of his cricket heroes at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open in Queenstown. The 125kg super-strong Walsh, 24, speaking today (Wednesday March 8) at Millbrook Resort, said it was “good to…

Despite the assumption that his drive would be a key element of his game, he said his short game was actually better.

“I could try a wind-up spin for my drive, but I’m not sure if there was anyone standing in front of me that would be a good look,” he joked.

“I reckon I could drive somewhere between 270 to 290m off the tee, on a downhill run I might get to 300!

“If I score anything in the mid to high 80’s I’d be really happy with that.”

A mental skill he said he brings to his golf is the ability to forget about the previous shot or throw and just move on.

“That’s probably the difference between top professional golfers and the others so it’s a good skill to have.”

Walsh is playing in the tournament for the first time and said it capped off a “crazy” two years.

“I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences, especially in the last six months,” he said.

“This is an amazing place, they’ve done an amazing job and I can’t wait to play some golf, but I’ve still had a training session in the gym this morning and there’s a throwing session tomorrow.”

Walsh finishes up in Queenstown then the Olympic bronze medallist focuses on the shot put nationals in Hamilton and into the future.

“I’m in great nick for the world championships in London this year, that’s the big goal,” he said.

Walsh joins Olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup sailor Sir Russell Coutts, New Zealand’s most-capped hockey player Ryan Archibald and Pittsburgh Major League baseball player Masumi Kuwata for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort and The Hills (March 9 – 12). 

Also stepping outside their sporting comfort zone will be NZ cricket legends Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming, Aussie cricketers Shane Warne, Allan Border and Ricky Ponting, crowd-pleaser Sir Ian Botham, dual rugby and cricket international Jeff Wilson and former All Black Grant Fox.

They’re joined by celebrity chef Josh Emett and Australian TV personality and singer Kerri-Anne Kennerley, all playing as part of the tournament’s popular and successful Pro-Am format.

The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a NZ$1 million Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour.

Click here to visit ISPS Handa New Zealand Open’s website.

Photo caption (Photosport):

1/ Kiwi Olympian Tom Walsh was on fine form at Millbrook Resort today before the start of tomorrow’s ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

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Celebrities ‘talk up their game’ ahead of this week’s ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

Media release from ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Some admitted to being “terrified”. Others were confidence-plus. But what sporting celebrities Shane Warne, Brendon McCullum, Sir Ian Botham, Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming and Allan Border all agreed on was that four days of play at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is an experience not to be…

The good-natured banter and laughs flew as each took turns at potting their opponents while talking up their own game.

On a chilly Queenstown morning with a dusting of fresh snow on the mountains, Botham said he’d walked out in his shorts that morning then walked straight back in to change into something warmer.

With a tongue-in-cheek admission that he didn’t play too much golf in the UK because of the weather, he said he’d headed to Spain for some practice.

“That didn’t help at all, but I’m always pretty confident!”

Describing his golf prowess as “pretty ordinary”, Warne said he was in “fine form” off the field.

“I’m hoping that if I continue in that vein, by the time Thursday comes around I could be in tremendous form on the golf course as well,” he said.

McCullum and Border were unanimous in how terrified they were when it came to standing on the first tee on day one.

“I can’t get over how nervewracking that is, more than any other time in sport,” said Border. “I’ve definitely had some moments here I would rather forget. I’m not used to having people standing so close when I’m playing golf, there’s every chance I’m going to whack one!”

And McCullum agreed. “We’re all obviously incredible golf enthusiasts who can’t wait to get out there, but all extremely anxious about standing on the first tee!”

Fleming said he was “very pleased” with the course change at Millbrook where the final hole is a par-3 coming onto a green in front of the historic Millhouse building.

With tongue firmly in cheek he declared that Millbrook was an anti-clockwise course so he planned to play it left-handed. Talking tactics, he said “It’s a bit like the America’s Cup where at some stage you’ve got to show your hand.”

Coming back to the tournament for his fourth year in a row, Ricky Ponting said he was making it a family affair, with his dad as caddy and his brother also playing in the event.

“I always get out the calendar at the beginning of the year and book out this week in early March,” he said.

“We’re all here to have fun and stay out of the way of our pro’s. We’ve got to be pretty mindful of what our pros are going through. We’ve all played in front of thousands of people, but this is a little bit out of our comfort zone.”

The celebrity players were all unanimous in praising NZ Open chairman John Hart and director Michael Glading for inviting them to the event.

“We all love being part of this,” said Warne. “We’re all competitive people and we all want to play a lot better than we do. We’re very grateful to be invited. John Hart and the team do a great job.”

A total of 14 celebrity amateurs will play as part of the tournament’s popular and successful Pro-Am format, including Grant Fox, Sir Russell Coutts, Japanese baseball star Masumi Kuwata, Olympian Tom Walsh, hockey player Ryan Archibald, Jeff Wilson, chef Josh Emett and Australian TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley.

The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a NZ$1 million Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour.

Click here to visit ISPS Handa New Zealand Open’s website.

Photo caption (Photosport):

1/ Fun times ahead – lining up at Millbrook Resort ahead of this week’s ISPS Handa New Zealand Open are (L to R) Brendon McCullum, Shane Warne, Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, Sir Ian Botham and Allan Border

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Tokyo sports star pitches in for ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

Media Release from ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Back home in Tokyo, Masumi Kuwata is a sporting legend – revered for his 23-year-record as a professional baseball player in Japan and the United States. Young Kuwata started playing baseball at just two years old, dreaming of turning professional. He started with a schools’ tournament most young…

In the two to three months he had off, he’d play golf. And as is the case with many professional sportspeople, he turned out to be pretty good at it.

Enjoying his first-ever visit to Queenstown where he’s scheduled to play in the celebrity field for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open (March 9 – 12), 49-year-old Kuwata said he played off “only a six”.

And despite the fact that puts him among some of the best celebrity guests to tee off this coming Thursday, the humble sports star said he was “a bit worried” about the Millbrook course.

“The course looks a bit difficult, a bit more narrow than courses I’m used to playing,” he said. “I don’t want to end up in the rough!”

Calling Millbrook Resort “really beautiful”, he said he was looking forward to partnering with top Japanese professional and personal friend Toshi Muto, playing in the tournament for the fourth time.

“I’m very happy to be playing with professional players because a chance to play four days with a pro is really something special. I’m looking forward to learning from him,” he said.

“I’m delighted to have been invited to play and I’m really looking forward to making a contribution to Japanese and New Zealand relationships by taking part in the tournament.”

As a baseball pitcher, Kuwata was admittedly one of the smallest professionals, but said it was all about speed.

“I wasn’t the power pitcher, it was about control. I’ve always loved golf and my brother played tournaments as a pro and now teaches. Now I’m retired I’m seeing what I can do with it.”

On retirement he went to university and achieved a Masters degree in sports science, and is currently studying for his PHD. He keeps up his love of baseball as a baseball commentator in print and on TV, and in his ‘spare’ time does charity work.

“Recognising that baseball has given a lot to me, I do a lot of work throughout Japan with injured or disabled youth baseball players,” he said.

Among the professionals at this year’s ISPS Handa New Zealand Open, more than 20 Japanese and Korean players from the Japan Tour have confirmed. The Japanese contingent confirmed for Queenstown includes leading players Yusaku Miyazato, Shunsuke Sonoda, Toshinori Muto and Ryutaro Nagano.

While these players may not be household golfing names in this New Zealand, the sextet have secured 16 wins between them on the Japan Golf Tour, and combined career earnings of around NZ$22million.

The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a NZ$1 million Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour. The 2017 event will be played in Queenstown at Millbrook Resort and The Hills on 9-12 March.

Click here to visit ISPS Handa New Zealand Open’s website.

Photo caption (Photosport):

1/ Masumi Kuwata is delighted to play in the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open – pictured here at Millbrook Resort

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Shotover Canyon Fox “gives a fox” for charity

Media Release from Shotover Canyon Swing and Canyon Fox The world’s highest cliff jump operator, Shotover Canyon Swing and Canyon Fox, has raised over $12,700 during Shotover Canyon Fox’s first birthday celebrations to help a community in need. The tourism superstars jumped right in to help raise money for families in Kaikoura following the earthquake –…

Celebrating it’s ‘Oneth’ birthday from February 18 to 24, over 250 locals and visitors visited Queenstown’s Shotover Canyon Fox to get their adrenalin fix for just $50.

All proceeds from the fundraiser went straight to the rebuild.

Shotover Canyon Fox Sales Manager James Isted-Salmon – known to all and sundry as just ‘Salmon’ — surprised Waiau School and Community Rebuild Committee members Emma Duncan and Caroline Eastmond with a cheque this weekend.

Waiau School and Community Rebuild Committee Chairperson Emma Duncan says she was astounded by the generous contribution.

“To be handed a cheque for over twelve thousand dollars is amazing and we’re very appreciative to Shotover Canyon Fox,” she says.

“It would take us months to fundraise this sort of money as we’re such a small community, and it has put us one step closer to achieving our end goal.”

Rebuild Committee Secretary Caroline Eastmond also expressed her gratitude.

“The donation will give the whole community a huge boost,” says Caroline. “It’s mind-blowing to know we’ve got so many good people around the country behind us, supporting our community in our efforts to rebuild the facility.”

Salmon said the committee was “absolutely over the moon” with the substantial donation, especially as it had been a surprise before the cheque amount was revealed.

The Shotover Canyon Fox drops adrenalin junkies from the world’s first ‘rail launch’ system 182m above the mighty Shotover River.

The Fox takes adventure-lovers out on the rail system before dropping about 5m into thin air and ‘foxing along’ to the other side.

Once there, they’re attached to a more traditional zipline (Line 2) taking them back to base.

Shotover Canyon Swing General Manager Matt Hollyer says he “couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate” Canyon Fox’s first birthday.

“A year on, the team couldn’t be prouder of our unique invention,” he says.

“A big thank you to everyone who has visited the Canyon, and taken a leap of good faith for a good cause.

“Each year we’re blown away by the generosity of others, and we’re delighted to help the project to make the pool a central point for the Waiau community once again.

“We chose Waiau School for the birthday fundraiser as we wanted to support a service that benefited an entire community, post Kaikoura earthquakes.

“We’re looking forward to pop in for a swim when it’s up and running.”

Shotover Canyon Swing and Canyon Fox runs annual fundraising initiatives to support local charities, picked each year by the company’s staff.

The Waiau School and Community Pool’s Givealittle page has raised over $92,600 since it was created in November 2016. To donate or for further information go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/waiauschoolpool

Click here to visit Shotover Canyon Swing’s website.

Photo caption:

1/ Staff and thrillseekers celebrate Shotover Canyon Fox first birthday

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Sports and entertainment superstars add to fun atmosphere at ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

Media release from ISPS Handa New Zealand Open In their ‘normal’ day jobs they’re top of their game in a range of sports including shot put, sailing, baseball, hockey and cricket. But next week the focus will be firmly on a small white ball – as the likes of Olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup sailor…

Renowned celebrity chef Josh Emett leaves the kitchen to turn up the heat on the golf course, while TV personality and singer Kerri-Anne Kennerley – one of Australia’s most seasoned entertainment hosts – is out to show just how much she loves a good game of golf.

The 14 celebrity amateurs will play as part of the tournament’s popular and successful Pro-Am format.

Considering golf isn’t their ‘first’ sport, the celebrities boast some pretty handy handicaps, including cricket great Ricky Ponting who could go toe-to-toe with the pro’s with an impressive scratch handicap.

The 125kg super-strong Walsh, who took up playing golf with his shot put coach in their ‘down time’, plays off a very handy 11 handicap, while the likes of McCullum, Border, Fleming, Warne, Botham, Archibald and Wilson are all ten-or-below handicappers.

Golf obviously runs in the blood for former AB Grant Fox, father of top Kiwi hopeful Ryan Fox, as he plays off a very solid four handicap, while Sir Russell Coutts, who loves the game so much he’s built a private nine-hole golf course at his home above Arrowtown, is on a tidy 14.

Japanese baseball star Kuwata is no stranger to a slightly larger white ball, and plays off an impressive six handicap, while Kennerley and Emett play off 16 and 15 respectively.

Tournament director Michael Glading says the amateur and celebrity format of the tournament is unique in that it boasts world class golfers playing for $1m in prizemoney, and also 140 amateur players who get to play alongside the professionals.

“Adding sporting and other celebrities really adds an extra dimension to our unique event, and spectators love spotting those famous faces in amongst the pros. The entertainment factor is huge, enjoyed by die-hard golf fans and those along for a great day out.

“I suspect there will be more than a few people keen to see how far Tom can hit the ball off the tee, for example!”

The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a NZ$1 million Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour. The 2017 event will be played in Queenstown at Millbrook Resort and The Hills on 9-12 March.

Click here to visit ISPS Handa New Zealand Open’s website.

Photo caption:

1/ A true favourite with the crowds – Sir Ian Botham will play in next week’s ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

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Flash sale extravaganza for IHG New Zealand hotels

Media Release from InterContinental Hotels Group Celebrate the upcoming Easter and ANZAC bank holiday weekend’s in style, with a competition worth winning and a flash sale on accommodation throughout New Zealand. The two-week flash sale offering discounts of up to 35%, makes travelling around New Zealand easy with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) hotels in Auckland, Queenstown,…

And it’s the sale that keeps on giving — each hotel is running an Easter competition on their individual Facebook page to win free accommodation and a unique local experience, tailored to each property.

The five competition* prizes are all uniquely different. Holiday Inn Rotorua is offering a two night stay with a family pass to AMAZEME and Holiday Inn Auckland Airport a two night stay with family pass to Rainbow’s End.

The Crowne Plaza Auckland prize includes a two night stay with a couples massage at Bliss Reflexology while Crowne Plaza Queenstown is offering a two night stay with half day e-bike hire.

The lucky winners at InterContinental Wellington will be gifted a free one night stay with an indulgent high tea for two.

Entering the competition could not be easier – guess how many Easter eggs are in the image pinned to each hotel’s Facebook page to go in the draw to win.

The competition closes at 9am on March 14 and winners will be announced in an online video reveal on each page at 5pm.

Crowne Plaza Auckland General Manager Tim Pollock said the flash sale was the perfect excuse for New Zealanders to take some leave between the upcoming public holidays and book their next getaway.

“I’m sure guests will enjoy a delightful city weekend getaway with everything on their doorstep at Crowne Plaza Auckland, or they can add an extra stop-off at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport before jetting away for leisure or business,” he said.

“Perhaps a shopping trip to New Zealand’s capital is on the cards, an adventure weekend away to Rotorua with the family, or an escape to Queenstown to experience the yellow, gold and hot oranges of New Zealand’s spectacular autumn landscapes.”

For flash sale bookings or more information go to ihg.com/easterinaflash

*Competition terms and conditions apply

Photo caption:

1/ Holiday Inn Rotorua guests take advantage of the world-class mountain bike trails

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