Queenstown
Airport supports the Lakes Hayes A&P Show’s ambition to become a waste-free
event.
And, as a
new sponsor, it is providing funding to help make that happen within three
years.
“The show,
which is now in its 107th year, is a cherished community event and
we want it to be sustainable far into the future,” Queenstown Airport Partnerships
and Marketing Manager Vanessa Hartnell says. “Our three-year partnership will
kick-start a range of initiatives to cut waste.”
Key among
these is covering the cost of using the DISHrupt reusable serveware service at
the show. DISHrupt is run by Sustainable Queenstown and is a project that
provides reusable dishes, cups, and cutlery for use at events, reducing the
need for single-use food packaging and cutlery. Collection points for used
items and food waste will be set up around the showgrounds.
Free water
stations will also be provided, so people are encouraged to put a refillable
bottle or cup in their bags when they visit the show.
“DISHrupt’s
fantastic project aligns with our own work to end the use of single-use cups at
the airport and prevents large amounts of waste from going to landfill,”
Queenstown Airport Sustainability Manager Natalie Reeves says.
Lake County
A&P Society President Pip Norton is excited about the show’s bold goal.
“We realise
putting an end to waste will be tricky, but we’re up for the challenge and
we’re very glad to have Queenstown Airport as a partner.”
The show
will be held on Saturday 14 January this year and will include more than
60 trade exhibitions along with the traditional equestrian events, sheep
and wool competitions, pet section, and the ever-popular home industries
section. The Topp Twins headline the entertainment line-up and there are a few
special surprises in store, too.
