$100,000 boost for Havelock North promotion

Havelock North Business Association president Milton Naylor with executive members Liv Reynolds, left, and Catherine Wedd with the VW Beetle that is to become the Love Beetle. Photo/supplied

A $100,000 fund allocated to Havelock North to make up for significant economic losses incurred during the gastro outbreak has been put towards a promotional marketing plan for the village.

Havelock North Business Association (HNBA) president Milton Naylor said the organisation distributed the fund and that the executive committee spent a lot of time over the past months going through the correct processes with the Hastings District Council to get the fund distributed.

It is exciting to now be moving forward, he said.

"In order to get the money we needed to show a promotional plan, with a budget that was transparent and showed a proper accountable process. This has taken some time, but when we presented it to council they were very happy with our plan and were very forthcoming with the funds."

The marketing strategy had three main objectives - promote Havelock North beyond Hawke's Bay, create an event, and supply tools to association members that would increase business cohesion and support, he said.

HNBA executive member Liv Reynolds presented the plans to Havelock North businesses on Wednesday night last week, and said the committee had sought independent advice from marketing, business and tourism experts when putting them together.

"We are confident we have come up with some great plans for the village that will have positive results and also provide some tangible tools to our members to promote the village."

She said one of the ideas was to create a unique event that would showcase Havelock North locally and further afield.

"We think an event that the village can truly own could attract international attention if we get it right."

Promotional tools in the plan included a "Love the Village" branded VW beetle, branded merchandise including wrapping paper, reusable coffee cups, bags, tea towels, notebooks and iPhone cases, and social media campaign giving away an "Ultimate Week in the Village".

Association members would have access to professional video production and photography for members to use in their own marketing.

HNBA executive member Catherine Wedd said the committee was conscious that it needed a strategy that had longevity and diversity.

"We don't want this spend to be a one-off. We want to create some lasting marketing collateral and an event which village businesses can be proud of and will see positive spinoffs from for years to come.

"Some of these ideas have been on the table for a while but the HNBA hasn't had the funds to action them. Now we have the ability to bring it all to fruition."