First festival to promote Methven and Mt Hutt

Press, 17 June 1986, Page 20

First festival to promote Methven and Mt Hutt

For people who enjoy the snow and a good time —- and for those who just enjoy a good time — the Steinlager Methven Winter Festival between June 21 and 27 should not be missed. The Methven and Mt

Hutt District Promotion Association has decided for the first time to hold a winter festival to promote Methven and Mt Hutt as one of New Zealand’s leading ski and tourist resorts to both local and international tourists.

One of the organisers, Mr Roger Tarlton, said one of the aims of the Winter Festival was to provide an event which, once established and recognised, would provide an additional motivator for skiers to come early to Mt Hutt, and thus complement the marketing efforts of all tour and transport operators, hire vehicle companies, airlines and many others associated with the tourist industry. “This year, the festival is to be rather low key to allow us to feel our way and lay sound guidelines for 1987 and future years,” Mr Tarlton said. For a low-key programme, there is a multitude of activities planned for the seven days, including many different types of races at Mt Hutt: golf, squash, table tennis and pool competitions, a midwinter’s Christmas party and a festival ball — to highlight only a few events.

There is so much happening in Methven itself that many non-skiers will be attracted to the township for the week.

The association was very appreciative of the sponsorship of New Zealand Breweries for the festival, Mr Tarlton said.