Country's leading Motorhome Caravan & Outdoor expo rescheduled to March next year

New Zealand’s premier motorhome, caravan and outdoor show, the Covi SuperShow has been rescheduled to March 2015.

Held in September for the past four years – during which time it has set a new standard for motorhome and caravan expos in this country – the next Covi Supershow is due to take place on March 13, 14 and 15 next year at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds.

It is the only major motorhome and caravan expo supported by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (whose 52,000-plus individual members represent more than 80% of NZ’s private motorhome owners) and organisers say the event’s change in timing is in response to demand from the key players in the motorhome and caravan industry.

Covi SuperShow business manager Brent Gillies says the move was initiated by a six-strong group of the motorhome and caravan industry’s leaders – THL (KEA, Motek and United), Trail-Lite (Trail-Lite, Roadcraft, Auto Sleepers), Smart Motorhomes (Burstner), ALM Group  (Avida, Jurgens, Allisee Autohomes), South Auckland Caravans (Jayco) and Leisure Line (Leisure Line, Southern Star).

“Their view was that the industry could only successfully sustain one major North Island show and that it should be held in March – to better meet the needs of both the industry and their customers,” he said.
“They are so convinced that this is the way to go for their industry that they have pledged to support the revised timing by committing to attend only one North Island show, the Covi SuperShow, next year.”

One thing Gillies stressed wouldn’t change is the ‘Covi SuperShow’s promise of a dynamic, entertaining and interactive programme to attract a wide audience of existing and would-be motorhome and caravan owners, as well as avid campers, in the country’s largest marketplace.’

“Over the past four years the Covi SuperShow has built a very good reputation and has attracted thousands of visitors keen to find out about the latest products and innovations, meet with the industry’s experts and got to enjoy tasters of what the exciting lifestyle offers; we’re really proud of what’s been achieved and we’re excited by what 2015 will offer.” 

Smart Motorhomes Managing Director Michael Becker, says his company is thrilled the Covi SuperShow has moved to March.

“This end-of-summer timing lines up with most major motorhome and caravan expos around the world. In our opinion it is the time of year that works best for the majority of the industry and the visitors to the show as buyers have it fresh in their mind what they want; and build or lead times happen over the winter period. This will be the only North Island show we will be attending.”

Tourism Holdings’ National Sales Manager (RV Sales) Steve Lane agreed saying Tourism Holdings believed the March timing would allow them to better meet the needs of their customers.

“This will be the only North Island show we will be attending as we believe this is a great chance to strengthen the industry and make the Covi SuperShow a truly great show,” Lane said.

NZMCA Chief Executive Bruce Lochore is right behind the leading players’ initiative to support only one North Island show too. “We’re very much a part of the industry and as such recognise the commercial pressures on companies that are operating in today’s competitive marketplace,” he said.

“So we certainly understand the major players’ thinking in wanting to reduce the costs associated with attending multiple shows. In our view, helping the industry limit their costs will ultimately reflect in limiting price increases to our members in the market to purchase.”

“Supporting the exhibitors to concentrate all their resources in one venue – at the best time of year for such a show - is going to result in an even bigger and better show and that’s got to be good for our members too. The Covi SuperShow will definitely be the only motorhome and caravan expo the NZMCA supports in 2015.”