Ideas sought for Festival of Light 2014

March 18th, 2014
[by David Armstrong]

Our Town Motueka wants businesses and residents to give them a steer on this year's Festival of Light - whether or not it should be staged, when and for how long.

The mid-winter community and retail event has been an institution in Motueka for many years, but since the OTM sub-committee which ran it folded three years ago the festival has been more difficult to mount.

At present the event's objective is "to not only bring community and businesses together, but attract people from all over the region to visit town and shop over the winter season," OTM administrator Linda Woodgate says.

In 2010, for example, the nine-day festival featured more than a dozen community events, most organised by separate groups for an exceptionally wide variety of audiences. See our story about it here.

Last year the festival ran over a month and there were far fewer events mounted specifically for it. Two large but expensive events were cancelled through lack of support. A large part of the problem is that the organisation is now essentially down to one person on behalf of the smallish OTM committee.

Linda says the committee is looking at funding options and needs a commitment prior to applying. "We are reviewing the event to ensure it remains a success - this includes dates, duration and events.

"We need to hear from you so we do the right thing for you the businesses in town. Our Town Motueka can co-ordinate the events and/or festivities, but need to know this is 'hitting the spot' for the main stakeholders - you."

People with ideas or opinions to offer can either email Linda at and/or attend a short meeting from 5.30pm to 6:00pm at the Sprig and Fern (upstairs) on Thursday 27th March.

"We look forward to your feedback, and keen to keep this commercially successful event in Motueka."

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