Alex Hockley – The story of the Wellington Heritage Festival.
- Alex is born and bred Wellingtonian.
- It is a publicly funded organization and is a region wide celebration of the people, place etc. that make up our culture. It is an opportunity for groups to share their stories.
There are open days; walking tours; activity based events e.g. wagon wheel making, tractor driving; theatre events. Many events are free or low cost. The number of events is now between 120 to 150 – comparable to Auckland. Wgtn wants to encourage interregional travel so we go to Wgtn to Wairarapa to Kapiti
The organisation goes out to groups who will host events. The Festival gives them advertising to engage the public with the stories.
It started as a week event, but had to grow to more weeks because of the number of events.
The number of attendees to events has markedly increased over time.
They are now a finalist for the Wgtn Gold awards – Vibrant Gold.
Two members of our club have been or still are involved – Dawn Saunders on the Board and Brent Gerrard. Port Nicholson donate $250 per year.
The Rotary Clubs of Wellington have been a big supporter, contributing to the Board and offering networks
The organisation goes out to groups who will host events. The Festival gives them advertising to engage the public with the stories.
It started as a week event, but had to grow to more weeks because of the number of events.
The number of attendees to events has markedly increased over time.
They are now a finalist for the Wgtn Gold awards – Vibrant Gold.
Two members of our club have been or still are involved – Dawn Saunders on the Board and Brent Gerrard. Port Nicholson donate $250 per year.
The Rotary Clubs of Wellington have been a big supporter, contributing to the Board and offering networks