Three groups will benefit from Franklin Local Board Tourism Development Fund support.
The Clevedon Community and Business Association will receive $5000 for a digital mapping project, and Te Koopu Incorporated $10,000 to develop the Uenuku markets, a growing attraction in Waiuku before COVID-19 restrictions.
The largest grant, $15,000, goes to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust, including funding for improved wayfinding.
Board chair Andy Baker says the trust also received funding as part of the board’s strategic partnerships initiative, but that funding was towards general operations, maintenance of the lighthouse, promotions and the installation of solar panel gates.
“The volunteers involved in maintaining the lighthouse, one of the most famous and most photographed of all Franklin landmarks, contribute countless hours of their time.
“It’s good to be able to commit funds that will allow the groups to get some important improvements done, and to make the visitor experience that little bit better.”
“The Uenuku Markets were a welcome addition to Waiuku life, although they have been hit by alert level restrictions.
“But they are a local initiative that celebrate local culture, produce, skills and handicrafts, and which bring not only colour and flair to the local area, but more visitors, and they will again when they can resume.”
He says on the other side of the district, Clevedon remains a popular visitor destination, its own markets a hallmark of an area that is home to leading artists, beaches, and walks.
“The growth of mountain-biking in the area is adding good visitor numbers, work is continuing around developing the Hunua Trail, and there are other attractions that can be leveraged off.
“The association is aware of the opportunities that exist and is keen to capitalise on them. Clevedon is still a go-to Sunday drive and let’s get an ice-cream destination, and for those of us more likely to partake of ice cream than mountain-bikes, long may that continue.
“In the overall scheme of things, it is a comparatively small grant, but one that could yield big dividends.”
