Distilling the identity of Motueka

February 11th, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

If you were to distill the identity of Motueka into a few words that could be used to advertise the town, what would you focus on? Essentially, what makes Motueka a great place to live and visit?

This is the challenge laid down by Angie Morris, owner of Motueka's popular food outlet and refreshment stop Toad Hall, through a survey she's running of visitors to her business and via Toad Hall's Facebook page ("Toad Hall Motueka").

"We are looking to establish an identity for 'Motueka' and we need our communities help," her appeal states. "What is Motueka to you? Are we green, are we an adventure sport capital, are we a relaxation place, are we just the park?

"Any suggestions and thoughts on this would be appreciated. We are the best town in New Zealand - why? Imagine that you were advertising the town, what would you say?"

Some of the answers on the Facebook page so far include:

A good community that's close to everything.
Something here about being the gateway and part of the excitement while remaining outside of it for that calm, country quiet.
Paradise!
We're the place to escape from it all, relax, friendly locals and the gateway to the Abel Tasman for walks, boat rides and beautiful scenery.
Paradise awaits - far from the maddening crowd.
A Town in a Garden

If you have some views or suggestions to make, and are not a Facebook user, then please to have your say and help progress the discussion. We will pass them on to Angie.

Comment by Coralie Smith:
[Posted 18 February 2011]

Motueka has always been interesting because of the diversity of people. Tobacco brought in lots of different people at various times over the decades, many of whom stayed to make a diverse mix. In even earlier times hops and small fruit pickers came annually and many of those stayed too and married into local families.

The final mix today of people in Motueka seem to be more accepting of differences in people because of the wide range of ages, colours, creeds, religions and beliefs. They also accept and encourage visitors because they know without them we would be another dying small NZ town. In more recent times it has been the ageing population retiring here who have added to the mix - all with an interesting story.

To sum it up- "Diversity of people makes Motueka"

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Parkes Automotive, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel