Oxfam Trailwalker moves on

7 July 2015

Oxfam New Zealand has decided to move its Trailwalker event to Whakatane from 2016 after 10 years in Taupo.

However, negotiations are already underway for a new event to fill the spot on the district's event calendar.

Oxfam Fundraising events manager Zebedee Stone said the Taupo community have been amazing supporters of Oxfam Trailwalker since it began in Taupo in 2006.

After 10 years in Taupo we've had to make the tough decision to move the event so it can continue to grow and make a difference. The strong relationships we've had with the various local people has been instrumental to the event's success and hugely appreciated by past and present members of my team, he said.

With the support of so many local community groups, landowners, volunteers, sponsors and suppliers Oxfam Trailwalker has been able to make a massive difference. It will be the end of an era for Oxfam Trailwalker moving from Taupo but hopefully the beginning of something new and exciting for the event.

Taupo District Council events manager Steve Giles said the council understood Oxfam's desire to take the Trailwalker to a new destination after 10 years and wished them all the best for the future.

The events team was working hard to secure a new event and an announcement would be made once it was confirmed, he said.

END

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz