Mystery Creek Events Centre was proud to play host to the Parachute Music Festival, held Auckland Anniversary weekend January 23 to 26. Parachute 09, marked the start of a new five year contract to host the festival, following the success of utilising the Mystery Creek venue since 2004. Parachute's General Manager of Events, David Curtis says “Mystery Creek has been a fantastic venue for our Festival over the last five years and we're delighted to have confirmed it as home for the next five years.”

To accommodate the four day music festival, Mystery Creek Events Centre transforms into a dynamic mini-city; comfortably providing amenities for approximately 25,000 patrons; of which 18,000 camp on site. Mystery Creek General Manager, Barry Quayle adds “Mystery Creek Events Centre is the only venue in New Zealand that can provide the masses with effective temporary living facilities in the same location as their event. We have a remarkable advantage over other premises and Parachutes contract renewal affirms this”.

During Parachute 09, Mystery Creek Events Centre pioneered the recycling of grey water from a shower block, filtering and then re-using the water in the ablution block. With over 18,000 people camping on site, it provided an excellent platform to launch initial event waste minimization measures. Should this recycling initiative prove successful, the system will extend to each of the shower blocks adjacent to toilet blocks.

The Parachute Music Festival is one of the biggest music events held in New Zealand over summer and the largest four day Christian music festival outside of the United States. Past Parachute festivals have had attendance levels of over 25,000 punters. The festival features amazing headline international bands and over one hundred local bands.

Congratulations to Felina Makiri and Oreon Kee of Turua, who have been revealed as the winners of the Wedding Givers competition. Their dream of a wedding has finally become a reality for the pair, and is set to take place on February 28, 2010 at Mystery Creek Events Centre.

Over 40 deserving couples had entered the competition; although only one winning pair could be selected. The couple's lack of control over their situation and compelling story were the main reasons for them being chosen as the wedding recipients. The wedding givers, Kim Stevens and Gene Paul were moved by the unique challenges Felina and Oreon faced, saying their circumstances “touched us the most.”

With only two weeks to prepare for the wedding, the winning couple are understandably extremely excited about their big day. When Kim and Gene announced the news, both Felina and Oreon had very different reactions. Oreon was speechless, while Felina could not control her overwhelming joy. “I haven't stopped crying since,” wept Felina Makiri.

Ibis Hotel Tainui Hamilton have also been inspired by the competition, offering both couples a room for their wedding night and complimentary breakfast the following morning.

The Wedding Givers competition is due to close on February 10, 2010. Soon to be married, Gene Paul and Kim Stevens are giving away their wedding experience to a worthy couple who cannot finance their own. The wedding of the winning couple will take place the day following Gene and Kim’s, February 28, 2010 at Mystery Creek Events Centre.

The quality and quantity of submissions has been significant, and with so many deserving of the wedding, it will be a tough decision for Gene and Kim in selecting the winning couple. The recipient pair will receive a dream wedding worth over $10,000, with almost all aspects supplied. The wedding has been organised by Mystery Creek Events Centre staff, experts in event management; ensuring the day is seamless and stress free for the pair.

In such difficult economic times, the amount of people willing to offer their services, products and hospitality is heartwarming. Since inception of the competition, further sponsors have come on board to help make the wedding day even more special. Professional photographers, One2One photography, will photograph both weddings, valued at over $8,000. Blakes Company Hire has committed to supply table dressings for both weddings, joining florist, Bouquet Cottage, who will provide table arrangements. A Waikato woman even offered to lend her wedding dress, in the event Kim’s is not the correct size for the winning bride.

There has been an incredible amount of support from all over the Waikato region. A huge thanks to; 89.8 ZM, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Super Liquor Te Rapa, Kiwi King Spit Roast Company, Zibido Hair, Gem’s Gems, Celebrant - Anne Purnell, Five Cross Roads Cake Kitchen, One2One Photography, Bouquet Cottage and Blakes Company Hire.

To enter yourself or a deserving couple you know, visit the Wedding Givers page of this website. Entries close on Wednesday February 10, 2010. The winners will be announced on February 12, 2010.

For further comment contact: Ariana Tucker, Communications Advisor, Mystery Creek Events Centre 07 843 4497 or 027 434 3651 arianat@mysterycreek.co.nz