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VIBRANT GOLD in association with DOWNER

~ events, hospitality & visitor facilities

2019 WINNER

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TERRACOTTA WARRIORS @ TE PAPA

Pottery in Motion

8 Terracotta Warriors, 2 full-size horses, 2 half-size replica horsedrawn chariots and 160 exquisite works of ancient Chinese art came to Te Papa over summer and proved a big hit.

 

“We brought the Terracotta Warriors to Wellington as an iconic, high-quality exhibition and a major attraction for visitors,” CEO Geraint Martin (pictured) says. “And they didn’t disappoint – we sold over 190,000 tickets, which was double our target, and 80% of visitors said they’re learned something new about Chinese culture.”

The exhibition brought an estimated $33million into the Wellington economy. Since opening in 1998 Te Papa has attracted a total of 30 million visitors.

LEARN MORE  www.tepapa.govt.nz      @TepapaMuseum

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2019 FINALISTS

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A WAKA ODYSSEY @ 2018 NZ FESTIVAL

Seas and Performers

Last year’s New Zealand Festival opened with a big splash, as a fleet of waka hourua from around the Pacific descended on Wellington Harbour as dusk fell.

 

That was the first stage in A Waka Odyssey, a five day series of events recognizing Aotearoa’s voyaging history. 35,000 watched that opening spectacle, with 65,000 attendees over the event’s five days, which involved 1500 participants.

 

“We were honoured to work with Te  ti Awa / Taranaki whānui iwi and New Zealand Festival on their opening event to celebrate Māori and Pasifika arts and culture on a massive scale in Wellington.” Hoturoa Barclay- Kerr (pictured), Creative Team, A Waka Odyssey says.

LEARN MORE  www.festival.co.nz        @NZFestival

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EMINEM RAPTURE @ WESTPAC STADIUM

Recordmakers breaking records

As the largest venue in the region, Westpac Stadium plays a key role in attracting major events to Wellington. In March 2019, the Stadium was proud to host the record-breaking Eminem Rapture concert.

 

“It was a hectic start to the year,” said Westpac Stadium CEO Shane Harmon (pictured). “In the first three months of 2019, we hosted 15 event days in 10 weeks - football, cricket, Te Matatini, rugby, Nitro Circus… and of course, Eminem.”

 

The Eminem concert shattered several records; the fastest ever sell-out concert, the largest ever Stadium audience (46,474) and the highest number of out of region visitors for a single day (25,000) - all contributing to the vibrancy and economic return to the region.

LEARN MORE  www.westpacstadium.co.nz       @WestpacStadium             #WestpacStadium

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HIGHLIGHT: CARNIVAL OF LIGHTS

Glow Bright or Go Home

HighLight: Carnival of Lights is a uniquely Wellington region event, providing a creative laboratory for performers, artists and technicians to innovate and grow.

 

Held every Labour weekend, this event is inclusive, has broad audience appeal and creates mutually beneficial partnerships.

“With over 135,000 attendees, 200 volunteers, 80 performers and 50 installations, it’s a real melting pot of creativity,” Event Director Carla Steed (pictured) says. “We’re honoured to be able to work with talented creators from both here in New Zealand and around the world to bring this amazing experience to our community.”

 

HighLight also raises money for charity. 2018’s charity partner, Te Omanga Hospice received over $55,000.

LEARN MORE  www.highlight.org.nz           @highlightcarnival 

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HURRICANES

Wind Powered Winners

A life force known as Te Hau Awhiowhio: The Hurricanes were born in 1996, and quickly established a reputation for playing entertaining rugby.

 

In the last 5 years Hurricanes have become the most popular Super Rugby team in NZ through strong viewership, attendance, social media following and community involvement.

 

The team have appeared in the play-offs each year since 2015, including the inaugural win at home in 2016.

 

“The Hurricanes wouldn’t be who we are without our fans,” CEO Avan Lee (pictured) says. “They inspire us and we hope we inspire them – because we’re all part of the same team!”

LEARN MORE  www.hurricanes.co.nz           @Hurricanes

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OPEN LATE @ CITY GALLERY WELLINGTON 

Night Vision

City Gallery Wellington is rather unique, especially with Tuatara Open Late, a vibrant, accessible after-hours programme on the first Thursday of the month.

 

“We stage Open Late to bring a more social dimension to the Gallery,” Head of Public Programmes Tracey Monastra (pictured) says. “The relaxed environment welcomes people in.”

 

Tuatara Open Late features exhibitions, artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, DJs, movers and shakers.

 

The bar is stocked with Tuatara beer and the Gallery partners with the best local food vendors who sell their kai on the night. It’s everything that makes Wellington vibrant, rolled into an evening out.

LEARN MORE  www.citygallery.org.nz        @CityGalleryWellington

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