New Wanaka A&P Show campaign explores being “local”

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE WANAKA A&P SHOW, WANAKA

Embargoed to January 7, 2019.

New Wanaka A&P Show campaign explores what it means to be “local”

The Wanaka A&P Show today launches a timely campaign about the sense of community and what it means to be a local in Wanaka.

The ‘Call Me Local’ campaign is a tongue-in-cheek inquiry into the tricky question of ‘how long does a person have to live in Wanaka before they’re considered a local?’

Correspondingly, Wanaka is experiencing significant growth, development and change – leading residents to prioritise the sense of ‘community’ even more. The Wanaka A&P Show campaign acknowledges this to remind people about the importance of being part of a community.

“The Wanaka A&P Show has been a local institution since 1933 and over the years we’ve seen our region grow and evolve into the wonderful community it is today,” event manager Jane Stalker says. “This year, we wanted to celebrate all things ‘local’ but found this title to be a delicate subject amongst original folk and newcomers alike. Some say you have to live here for 20 years, while others claim birth as the only right.

“Here at the Wanaka A&P Show, we believe it’s about what you do here, not how long you’ve been here. The people you’ve met, the places you’ve been and the community you’ve supported,” Stalker adds.

The Wanaka A&P Show partnered with local communications agency Scope Media to create the campaign. Wanaka video production company Two Bearded Men also worked on the project, overseeing teenage local director Oscar Hetherington, who shot four of the short films.

“The insight into this campaign is that despite the huge amount of growth the Wanaka population is experiencing, residents are determined to maintain Wanaka’s strong community identity,” Scope Media managing director Celia Crosbie says. “Our research confirmed that many people view the Show as the epitome of ‘community’ – a community event, by the community, for the community, and where different communities come together.”

The Call Me Local campaign kicks off today with the installation of a billboard featuring five local children – all living in different areas of the Upper Clutha – dressed to represent several facets of the Show and the community: Farming, fashion, rugby, sustainability and horse riding. The first billboard is positioned at the Wanaka Showgrounds and others will be erected around the area in the next couple of weeks.

The first video of the campaign, featuring Hawea Flat School children and soon-to-be new Wanaka South School principal Jodie Howard, is also released today. Over the coming weeks, in the lead up to the 82nd Show on March 8-9 2019, the Show will release more videos featuring locals discussing what it means to be a Wanaka local.

ENDS

© Scoop Media