Embrace Tourism Says Tui Head

 

Mangatainoka rocks.

And dynamic Tui Marketing Manager Nick Rogers is aiming to keep it that way.

 

“I want Mangatainoka to become the best known small town in the country,” he says.
As the locals know and the rest of New Zealand is finding out that vision is already on track. What other town in NZ has a television ad that gives the town so much exposure? Over 98% of Kiwi’s have heard of Mangatainoka.

Take the farmers ‘Drought Shout’, the rejuvenated ‘Toki rugby grandstand, and the latest event – the ‘Small Town Big Sounds’ rock concert from which a number of local organisations have benefitted.

It’s good Kiwi stuff built on the back of an iconic beer brand and a Brewery - all aimed at bringing people into the district.

Other ideas - awaiting publicity – are in the pipeline.

Brewery visitor numbers, kick started by the addition of a café, the development of a 150 seat function centre, revamped brewery and grounds, have rocketed – from 7,000 five years ago to 40-45,000.

“A bit of sophistication here”, Rogers remarks. As a move away from the “beer only” image, the cafe is also stocking a local Wairarapa wine label and Hawkes Bay coffee. Being local is important.

Friendly staff aided by a quirky menu based on famous Kiwis – Fred Dagg Chicken and Lance Cairns Bread ‘n Dips are just two examples – add to the ambience.

Chatting over a coffee served unsurprisingly, in a Tui orange mug, it’s instantly apparent that here is someone with a ton of energy who is committed to his brand, to tourism and with a role to play in the community.

As he points out, tourist dollars benefit the entire community and they’re there to be harnessed. Tourist bring commerce into our region - its cream – we need to offer them more opportunities to open their wallets.

So whilst being encouraged by a few “like minded” businesses he admits to being puzzled at some of the “quite negative attitudes” towards tourism that he encounters for a district that has “so much to offer.”

“It’s about creating positive messages,” he insists, saying, “The area hasn’t realised its potential.”

For Nick Rogers there are only three types of people. Those that make things happen, those who watch and those who don’t even know.

“Success breeds success,’ he says, citing Tirau, Greytown and Temuka as examples of towns that have turned themselves around.

Tararua Mayor Maureen Reynolds, a keen advocate of promotion and publicity supports the enthusiasm.
“Nick Rogers and his team are thinking outside the square and are bringing in huge numbers. They’re an asset to the district.”