Tens of thousands of visits were made to the LoveWanaka campaign landing page after its launch in alert level three, from a town with a population of only 8900.

As part of the campaign, eight stories that embody Wanaka’s spirit of community are now highlighted in a mini-series that premiered yesterday (Monday June 22).

They are the sort of stories Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) and Ignite Wanaka had hoped to foster with their LoveWanaka, Supporting Local campaign. 

Covering eight stories of businesses who adapted their operations at a critical time, the short-form videos show the power of community, Ignite and LWT said in a statement yesterday.

The stories include sold out promotions, koha activities, and one business even becoming a tour operator turned grocery-deliverer for the vulnerable.

‘When the initial campaign kicked off in alert level three, our main goal was to rally the community around businesses that were able to open. Encourage people to order take-out, shop online or buy gift certificates, to support local,” LWT media and campaign manager Gizelle Regan said.

The LoveWanaka logo IMAGE: Supplied

‘When we moved into alert level two, we continued to drive that message as more businesses were able to return to operation. We’ve started seeing ‘LoveWanaka’ pop up everywhere. On car bumpers, in shop windows, in the New Worlds.”

Gizelle said ‘LoveWanaka’ now has a life beyond the alert levels, and Lake Wānaka Tourism and Ignite Wanaka are thanking the Wanaka community for their support of local business.

“It’s been really incredible seeing the community get behind this campaign,” Gizelle said.

“The initial phase of the LoveWanaka, Supporting Local campaign was a massive success and went beyond expectation,” LWT digital marketing executive Jessie Byrne said.

‘We had over 160 businesses upload offers and tracked tens of thousands of visits to the campaign landing page, from a town with a population of only 8900. It was encouraging to get so many messages of support through our social media channels.”

Plans to continue to spread the word of LoveWanaka are underway. Stickers and posters are available to all members of the community and can be picked up at the Wanaka i-SITE on Ardmore Street. Planning for community events is also underway.

The LoveWanaka Supporting Local Stories can be watched in a playlist here.