Come to the “Central Hawke’s Bay Lamb Festival” in September 2011

To be released Immediately 16 September 2010

The Central Hawke’s Bay community and local businesses are inviting the world to come to the “Central Hawke’s Bay Lamb Festival” during the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is entering a bid for Lotteries Funding of $250,000 to get visitors to ‘take the long way round’ and tantalise their senses in Central Hawke’s Bay during September 2011 and beyond.

Council has been exploring the idea of helping to enhance the already existing CHB Festival at Pukeora Estate and creating a “Lamb Festival” to entice rugby visitors and help support the local community. The feedback from a wide ranging audience has been incredible.

“Central Hawke’s Bay means lots of things to many different people, but almost everyone here can relate to traditional sheep farming, our local meat processing plants, shearing, and the wonderful lamb. We are Central Hawke’s Bay Lamb Country,” says Mayor Trish Giddens.

The original concept was presented to Council by Adam Taylor who grew up in Onga Onga and is now the Tourism Manager for the Auckland Museum. “I come home every Christmas and I wanted to help showcase Central Hawke’s Bay to the world. And what better way than to highlight what comes naturally to this district? Growing and producing Lambs.”

Two of the biggest employers in Central Hawke’s Bay – Silver Fern Farms and Ovation meat processing plants – are supportive of the ‘Central Hawke’s Bay Lamb Festival’ and have indicated they will work with Council and the whole community to tell their stories and build a wonderful visitor experience during the Rugby World Cup. Taiwhenua O Tamatea is also on board with the Ngati Kahungunu “Rugby, Haka and Hangi” fan games as part of the Lamb Festival calendar of events.

“We’re working towards showing our best assets to the world and building a new, vibrant brand at the same time – Central Hawke’s Bay Lamb Country. Please post your feedback via Council’s website or on the Central-Hawkes-Bay-Lamb-Festival Facebook page. We want everybody involved so Central Hawke’s Bay can be the best host during the Rugby World Cup and create a legacy for our community,” says Mayor Giddens.

Other amazing Central Hawke’s Bay tourism drawcards are our nine local Tamatea marae, CHB Settlers Museum, the longest placename at Porangahau, the Ruahine Ranges, trout fishing, golf-courses, beaches and sea fishing, heritage buildings, gardens, apple-orchards, award-winning wine, beef and venison plus much more.

The “Central Hawke’s Bay Lamb Festival” will include FIVE signature events. It will offer locals and visitors entertainment that is pure Kiwi and Uniquely Central Hawke’s Bay.

1. Experience the ‘Running with the Lambs’ with lambs dressed in your team’s favourite colours. Waipukurau’s main street will be transformed into ‘Lamb Central’ where you can indulge in gourmet lamb delicacies and fun family entertainment.
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3. Immerse yourself in our local culture through ‘Tamatea – Rugby, Haka and Hangi’. Join us at historic Te Aute College and Pukehou Marae for our authentic Maori experience.
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5. Take a journey from ‘The Paddock to the Plate’. We are bringing country to town under one roof. Have a go at docking, shearing and wool spinning throughout the day, culminating in the evening ‘Paddock to the Plate’ dining experience.
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7. The Annual ‘CHB Festival’ art extravaganza. This four day event showcases our world class local artists. A celebrity chef will create a new signature dish with local award winning lamb, while you enjoy art, music, food, wine and the sizzling atmosphere.
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9. Central Hawke’s Bay lamb country is going glam. Dance the night away at the ‘Mutton Dressed as Lamb Ball’. It’s about glitz, glamour, romance and exquisite local food and wine.
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Facebook link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Hawkes-Bay-Lamb-Festival/153308721359812?ref=ts

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