Caravan convoy to double Reefton’s population
From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The population of Reefton is set to double at Labour Weekend, as an armada of motorhomes arrives in town.
The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association will be holding its annual gathering at the Reefton Racecourse, and 350 vehicles have registered to take part.
NZMCA member Ken Leslie told the Inangahua Community Board last week that the number would probably grow to 450, making it the largest event so far for the association.
Community board chairman John Bougen said he wondered if businesses realised what they were in for.
"I think some businesses have no conception of the size of this -- it's potentially 800 people arriving in a town that's already full for Labour Weekend. It's tremendous for Reefton."
Leslie said the event would stretch the town's facilities but they would cope.
"We're just blown away by how Reefton has come on board with us, and all the businesses - we're feeling very welcome."
The gathering would be based at the racecourse, with a marquee, social events, bands and entertainment every night for the travellers.
"But we'll be encouraging them to come into town during the day and out to the Blacks Point Museum. A lot will buy their groceries in Reefton - it's part of the domestic tourism push."
Bougen said businesses should be planning now to hire extra staff for the holiday weekend.
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz