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Warkworth businesses are being encouraged to splash some purple around this month as part of a community campaign supporting Hestia Women’s Refuge.
The initiative is aimed at raising awareness of family violence, and showing support for women and children affected by it. Originating in Timaru, the event is being brought to Rodney this year by Women’s Refuge with the goal of uniting the community behind a visible message of support and hope.
Partnering with Hestia is One Mahurangi Business Association, which is inviting retailers, hospitality businesses and service providers to decorate shopfronts, wear purple, create themed products or promotions, display campaign posters, make donations or promote the campaign on social media.
A highlight will be the inaugural Taste of Warkworth event on Wednesday July 22, from 11.30am. Tickets cost $25 and participants will follow a guided route through Queen Street, visiting hospitality venues and sampling specially created purple-themed food or drinks.
The tour will also feature a presentation highlighting the work of Hestia Women’s Refuge, with organisers hoping refuge ambassador and comedian Nick Rado will attend the event.
A One Mahurangi spokesperson says the campaign offers businesses an easy way to become involved while benefiting from shared promotion through its marketing channels. They say the initiative will help increase foot traffic, generate positive stories on social media and encourage collaboration between retailers, hospitality operators, trades, service businesses and community groups.
The cost of the tasting items will be covered by One Mahurangi and event sponsor Guthrie Bowron, allowing venues to showcase their businesses without additional expense.
Businesses taking part are encouraged to light up their premises in purple, display Hestia Women’s Refuge posters and embrace the campaign theme throughout July.
Hospitality businesses interested in being included in the Taste of Warkworth tour are asked to register their interest with One Mahurangi. Participating venues will receive details of the walking route and scheduled visit times before the event.
