A Hamilton woman's bad experience in the wake of trying to arrange private accommodation in Napier for the Mission Concert weekend has led to a swift "how can we help?" response from the Bay community.
The woman, and three other couples, had pinned their plans on staying at a Taradale propertythey found available, for $1000, on the Mission Concert's accommodation website.
However, after initial enquiries were completed and she went to confirm the deal she was told by the woman vendor that she had received an offer of $1400 - and could only confirm the accommodation if she was prepared to better that.
The incident had not impressed Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott who said it was essential for Napier's reputation as a "must-see" city to ensure it treated its visitors well.
"Taking in offers in the form of an auction is not a good look for any city, and is unfair on visitors," she said.
She added that she was confident most people who made their homes available were "genuine and fair".
However, she and council staff were buoyed by the public's response to the story about the incident published in Hawke's Bay Today on Tuesday.
She said people willing to offer up their homes as over-flow accommodation could contact staff at Napier's i-site visitor centre on Marine Parade.
The Hamilton woman, and her friends, have been provided with a place to stay after a council officer, who heard what had happened, stepped forward and offered his home.
Editorial, p6
