Council defers campaign

Press, 19 December 1989, Page 1

Council defers campaign

By

KAY FORRESTER

The $1.5 million campaign to promote Christchurch as the most beautiful city in the world has been put on hold. The Christchurch City Council last evening deferred consideration of the image campaign for the city until March. In the meantime advertising agencies will be invited to submit their ideas for promoting the city.

The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck, moved that the council defer the image campaign because of public reaction to the proposed image. It was a matter to be considered carefully and had to have community support. Councillors applauded the motion. She moved that city promotion be a high priority, something the council endorsed. Cr Dennis Rich questioned whether the council should spend $1.5 million on promoting itself. He suggested city promotion be left to the professional organisations involved in it. Cr Ron Wright felt the city was losing an opportunity to promote itself at a time when international attention was focused on New Zealand for the Commonwealth Games. Councillors were running, scared of public opinion, he said. Other councillors felt the extra time and input would make for a stronger campaign. Cr Morgan Fahey said the most beautiful city in the world claim was not a realistic one. It was wise to seek new concepts and new ideas.

Promotion council, page 7