The crowds and weather turned out for last weekend's annual Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton. The three day marine event boasted record attendance with close to 13,000 through the gate, resulting in the highest attendance since 2004.

The only event of its type in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty this year, the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show featured over 120 quality exhibitors, industry related clubs, expert forums and a variety of compelling demonstrations and competitions. Sites bustled throughout the weekend with visitors keen to see the latest marine craft and equipment and take advantage of competitive show offers.

Event organisers; a joint venture committee comprising of the Marine Industry Association and Mystery Creek Events Centre, were thrilled with the significant visitor turn out confirming the benefits gained through only one industry exhibition in the region. Exhibitor confidence was apparent early on in this year's show development, given that presence at an exclusive regional exhibition allowed operators to devote their investment to just one trade event.

Despite the challenging period, boat and fishing enthusiasts weren't shy in opening their wallets with a number of considerable purchases made; from modest equipment to luxury craft. When approached, several visitors remarked they had come to the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show in search of typically generous show deals, of which they found many. Others commented they were there out of curiosity, enjoying a day out and browsing the latest gear on the market.

This year the show saw the introduction of a culinary exhibition space, ‘The Fisherman's Basket', an invention display area ‘Innovation Court', and a variety of amusing contests. The new additions proved popular with the public, providing a dynamic enhancement to the event.

Visitors to the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show were given the chance to participate in three show competitions, with winners announced on Sunday. Debbie Wiseman was the lucky recipient of the Mondo Travel tropical holiday, the ‘Hook, Stamp & Sinker' prize package went to Patricia Sutherland, and Bob Franks was rewarded for his vote in the ‘Peoples Choice Boat of the Show'.

Exhibitors also competed in two competitions; the ‘Best Site Awards' and ‘Peoples Choice Boat of the Show'. Congratulations to the site award category winners; Best large Pacific Ocean Pavilion site, Andrew Fink Marine; Best small Pacific Ocean Pavilion site, Canoe & Kayak; Best Tasman Sea Pavilion site, Fishing 4 Less; Best Outdoor site, Get Wet; and best Think Tank site, Mighty River Power. During the event, the public voted for their favourite boat of the show, with Everyman Boats on PO25 winning by a country mile.

During the show visitors were surveyed, the results will provide exhibitors and the JV committee with crucial feedback to enhance and improve their experience. Exhibitors will also be surveyed to ensure the event continues to meet their needs and add value to their business. Organisers of the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show agree they would have been unable to bring an event of this calibre to the region without the enormous support of the industry and their generous sponsors; Radio Hauraki, Radio Sport, Boating NZ, NZ Fishing News, Mondo Travel Chartwell, Jack Links, Viking Kayaks, Buff NZ, Special FX Limited, Maverix Rods, Tristram Marine, Para Rubber, Fishing 4 Less and Hamilton Party Hire.

The Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show was held 16 to 18 October, 2009 at Mystery Creek Events Centre. For further information visit http://www.waikatoboatshow.co.nz/ .

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