Hastings District Council pledges continued support of Horse of the Year Show
Thursday 18 March 2010, 8:49AM
By Hawke's Bay Regional Council
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Hastings District Council is proud to support the annual Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show and has committed to supporting this internationally renowned event for the next three years.
Council has committed to a gold sponsorship and provided much needed financial support to ensure the show continues to be one of the highest ranking events of its kind in the Southern hemisphere.
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says the event is regarded as one of the three key events drawing visitors to Hawke’s Bay.
“Council is funding $35,000 over three years to the event and the returns are worth it to the community. Horse of the Year brings an estimated $12 million into the local economy and creates more than 200 jobs, with another 450 volunteers working hard to ensure the show is a success right here in Hastings, the heart of Hawke’s Bay.”
“Show Director Kevin Hansen and his team at Event-Pro must be commended for putting together another outstanding event, especially in challenging economic times.”
“I am personally looking forward to Friday night’s showdown between Kiwi and Aussie riders in the Hastings District Nations Cup and the heart stopping Pony 6 bar, not to mention the announcement of the first five inductees of the Hall of Fame being announced on Thursday evening.”
“Another thing to look out for at the event is the spectacular horse-jump which takes on the new branding ‘Hastings, Heart of Hawke’s Bay’.
“The people of Hastings voted for this design, which represents the Heretaunga Plains as seen from Te Mata Peak, the richness of our fertile soils, the cup of a wine glass, the Tukituki River leading to Hawke Bay, the welcoming hospitality of Hawke’s Bay people and the heart of the Hawke’s Bay region. This has truly started to unify our district, remind Hastings people that this is a place to be proud of and attract visitors to our stunning district.
“The Hastings i-Site team is also positioned in the entrance marquee to the Horse of the Year Show to help both domestic and international visitors who have travelled to the event make the most of their stay in Hastings.
“Our friendly staff can help visitors find out about some of our 65 wineries, visit the world’s largest gannet colony, take in the breath-taking views at Te Mata Peak or take a guided tour of some of our iconic Spanish mission architecture on offer.
“The kids might also like to cool off on the weekend at NZ’s only themed water park Splash Planet found within minutes of the A&P Showgrounds in Hastings.