A Second Site For WOMAD?

WOMAD New Zealand is looking for a second site.

Suzanne Porter, CEO of promoter Taranaki Arts Festival Trust, made a confidential pitch to the Nelson City Council to use Tahunanui Reserve.

WOMAD’s home since 2003 has been Taranaki’s Brooklands Park & TSB Bowl in New Plymouth.

Three years ago it became an annual event.

The festival contributed NZ 2.89 million to the Taranaki economy last year, and an additional $6.43 million in a flow-on effect, according to the Taranaki Daily News.

The figures were expected to be similar for this year, when it was held March 12-14, and attracted an audience of 13,586.

Porter told media that the event was struggling to break even, and hence looking for a second site so it could be staged every year.

If plans go to schedule, WOMAD will remain in Taranki next year, move to Nelson in 2011, and return to Taranki the year after.