There has been a lot of positive press in the last month relating to our region and we'd like to share some excerpts with you ....

Mackenzie Community Keen to Honour Sir Edmund Hillary

The highway leading to New Zealand's most famous peak is being proposed as a memorial to Sir Edmund Hillary.  Mackenzie Country tourism interests and the Automobile Association believe the 50km stretch of State Highway 80 along the western edge of Lake Pukaki should be named in honour of our best-known citizen. Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie general manager Philip Brownie said the highway could be called Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Way or similar.The Mackenzie Tourism and Development Trust is also suggesting the Low Peak of Aoraki-Mount Cook be re-named "Hillary Peak" to recognize the first difficult ascent of the South Ridge of the Low Peak by a party including Hillary in 1947.There had been general agreement for both proposals, which would now be taken further [but] ... the idea to rename the low peak would probably take longer to achieve."It's a fantastic way for us as locals to remember Sir Ed every day but it's also a great reminder for all Kiwis and international visitors who visit Mount Cook that this place was dear to his heart," Brownie said.  Automobile Association tourism services general manager Peter Blackwell said it was "entirely appropriate" to have a permanent reminder to Hillary in the region. www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/timaruherald/4463399a6010.html

Timaru Motors Sponsorship

 Pictured here is the Sales Manager of Timaru Motors, Brian Grace, presenting Philip Brownie with the keys to the new Mazda BT50 truck as part of their sponsorship of Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie.  Timaru Motors are delighted to be able to assist the development of tourism and events in the Mackenzie region.  www.timarumotors.co.nz

World Heli Challenge

New Zealand's World Heli Challenge is set to return this August 9th through 24th 2008, after a six year hiatus.  This has been a major article on many websites including www.EXPN.com, www.GrindTV.com, www.Snowboarder.com etc, generating a lot of outside interest in the region. 

Haldon Arm Campground

The Haldon Reserve Trust Board has asked the Mackenzie District Council to be it's landlord, taking over the  administration of the reserve from LINZ.  In principle all parties are in agreement with this proposal, but three blocks of septic tank toilets and the water supply are a problem - they need major upgrading and the council does not want ratepayers paying for the upgrade.

Free Publicity on National TV

The TV1 Good Morning program recently featured Peter Blackwell, AA GM on air talking about the "101 Things.." campaign.  He was then asked to tell the viewers his favourite weekend getaway place and his reply was "Well, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook as I have just visited there late last week."  Free promotion and national publicity does not get any better than that!

Freedom Camping

TIA (Tourism Industry Assoc) reported there is a lot of concern around the country regarding "freedom campers" and the mis-use of many areas where vehicles not self-contained (ie; with toilets on board) are leaving unwanted rubbish and other matter behind.  A document setting out information and advice for visitors on respecting the environment and camping responsibly is being developed for travelers.  Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie is actively interested in this issue as we have recently had the matter raised locally.  We are liasing with TIA and Tourism New Zealand and are in discussion regarding the impact it has on this region. www.tianz.org.nz

Advertising Campaign for China 

Tourism NZ is launching it's first ever advertising campaign in China later this month. China has just become new Zealand's fourth largest tourism market, surpassing Japan in February this year.  "100% Pure New Zealand" will launch in Shanghai with a focus on raising awareness to the growing number of middle class Chinese who are traveling overseas independently.  See www.tourismnewzealand.co.nz for details.

Visitor Arrivals Increase

Strong arrivals from China and Australia, and an early Easter have helped to lift visitor arrivals for March by 5 percent, to a record 250,000.  Arrivals from China were up to 20 percent in March and arrivals from Australia were up by 8 percent compared to March last year.  "Continued strong visitor arrivals from Australia are underpinning positive growth in visitor arrivals, while markets like Japan and Korea continue to fall," says Mr Hickton, Tourism New Zealand's Chief Executive.The early Easter appears to have bolstered visitor arrivals from the UK and USA; cruise passengers accounted for most of the increase from the United States in March.  Direct flights from Canada to Auckland helped push up Canadian visitor arrivals by 16 percent to 6,400.For more information, visit www.tourismnewzealand.com

Other local news in brief

• The Mackenzie Basin now has a YHA Hostel. High Country Lodge and Backpackers is the newest addition to the network, and is YHA New Zealand's 2nd biggest hostel.
• Matuka Lodge is bringing two more rooms on line this winter, giving a total of four rooms for the coming 2008/2009 season, due to high demand. - 5 Star luxury near Mt Cook.
• Mackenzie Winter Marketing Group recently welcomed Prue Blake as Secretary/Administrator.  She has a background in marketing and will be a valuable asset.  She is based in Tekapo and is an active member of the community.

We are keen to hear any news, innovations and articles of interest from you, so we can be pro-active in promoting the region. Also, please check your listings on the Trade Directory at www.mtcooknz.com/trade and update any outdated information, add photos etc so we can present a complete Directory for the TRENZ Conference. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

The Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie Team

Philip Brownie & Alex Froude