They are everywhere, pamphlets and brochures telling us and informing us about our region. They’re often brightly coloured, text and image rich. They’re not just for international tourists they’re for the locals as well. So I’ve taken a look at three brochures I’ve recently picked up.
GREERTON VILLAGE SHOPPING GUIDE: This is a shiny, brightly coloured, attractive, summer imaged shopping guide. The outer section has a clear location map and four panels telling me what I will find in Greerton. It opens out to show a large and detailed village map which shows among other things, ATMs, mobility carparks, toilets and baby changing tables. There’s a comparatively brief historical and background section. Greerton is one of Tauranga’s older established village areas and it’s third largest shopping precinct. Great section on upcoming events – the boot sales, markets, Easter Jazz and Car Show, illuminArt Street Light Art Show (this year it’s Friday 19th July in the Greerton Village Square), the September Cherry Blossom Festival and Christmas Variety Show. What the brochure doesn’t show you is the wonderful recycle stores and large antique and collectables shop in the Village. There are also most of the major banks there. The Village isn’t just what’s on Cameron Road – there’s heaps of stores and shops on Chadwick Road. www.greertonvillage.org.nz
WELCOME TO DOWTOWN THE MOUNT Mount Maunganui Tauranga Open 7 Days: This is a single foldup brochure. It’s easier to handle than the Greerton Guide and is therefore easier to read. If I was reading walking around this one would be easier to use. There’s the legend of Mauao and shopping centre information. Much less colour than the Greerton brochure and the map was not as easy to read and follow. Lots of retailer advertisements. The event statement is “ …we are blessed with year round activities…” www.mountmaunganui.org.nz
LOVE VINTAGE – Retro-Recycled-OpShops Vintage & Cafe’s Trail Tauranga Region: Well presented Tauranga regional trail for those who enjoy “reduce, reuse, recycle”. Loved this as it includes all parts of Tauranga. There are map sections but I found the print too small to read. This is a great effort for Tauranga and a great little business venture for it’s creator. www.realcreative.co.nz
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE ARTSFEST: At the end of this palmsized booklet is a statement from the Arts Director – one of the students – which tells me that the theme of this year’s Artsfest is comics. The programme runs from June to September and covers the spectrum of art endeavour. A totally professional booklet, clear information and eyecatching design. A great promotional work for the school and the students “Every single one of our events has taken a huge amount of effort and compassion. And this is thanks to all of the artists at TGC.” Tessa Adams, Arts Director. I got my booklet from the information stash at Creative Tauranga, Willow Street, Downtown Tauranga. There are ongoing events including a musical production in July in conjunction with Tauranga Boys’ College. Couldn’t find a web contact or phone number within this guide.
AA DIRECTIONS AUTUMN 2014: This is the member magazine for the New Zealand Automobile Association. It’s a little goodie both for locals and visitors; all sorts of wonderful places to go and see. Page 68, “Art at the Heart” images and text of the public art in still recovering Christchurch. Page 64 “Taking our time” a road trip from Gisborne to Wellington. A tale of travel not unlike the trip from Wellington recounted by our own Te Puna Correspondent. “The luminaries” at Page 36 features some of New Zealand’s lighthouses. Set out with directions to and walk time. Having seen the outstanding performance of Liz Kirkham as Anita O’Day – the Jezebel of Jazz during our recent Jazz Festival it’s a treat to see a significant page plus feature promoting this particular show and the Tauranga Jazz Festival. There are articles and promotional pieces as diverse as current Auckland and Govett-Brewster art gallery exhibitions, a restored iconic kombi van and the inherent beauty and attractions of the West Coast. Lovely read and it’s in the book basket for B & B visitors.
