Important Event Information (PLEASE READ)

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ACCOMMODATION 

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Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation.

We do not recommend any particular provider, but the Mercure on Brown Street is generally a solid three-star option for Tauranga events. 

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Trinity Wharf is another option approximately 200 metres away. It overlooks the water and is slightly more upmarket.

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TRANSPORT AND CAR-POOLING 

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This is a self-drive event, with attendees travelling in car-pool groups. At the beginning and end of each day, and to and from the hāngī, groups travel independently. Between scheduled venues, vehicles travel together in convoy. 

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Final routes, parking instructions and meeting points will be provided to registered attendees before the event. Travelling alone? Email events@plf.org.nz so we can help place you in a car-pool group. 

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If you are flying into Tauranga and need transport assistance, please email us: 

• Your arrival and departure flight details 

• Your Tauranga accommodation address 

• Whether you can drive a rental vehicle or need a seat with another attendee 

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PŌWHIRI AND MARAE ETIQUETTE

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Day 1 includes a pōwhiri at Tuapiro Marae. A pōwhiri is a formal Māori welcome that brings manuhiri (visitors) and tangata whenua (hosts) together.

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For the pōwhiri, wāhine (women) are asked to wear a skirt or dress, and tāne (men) are asked to wear long trousers. Please dress respectfully and follow the guidance of our hosts throughout the welcome.

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Attendees will gather in the car park, where our cultural advisor will provide a briefing before everyone enters the marae together as one group. Please arrive on time, keep phones switched off or on silent, and avoid talking during the formal proceedings. Further instructions will be provided on arrival, including where to gather and when footwear should be removed.

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WHAT TO BRING AND BE PREPARED FOR 

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The event will generally proceed in wet weather, so please come prepared for rain (and all other conditions).

 

Any significant programme changes or cancellations will be communicated through the event WhatsApp group.

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Bring: 

• Appropriate clothing for the Day 1 pōwhiri: wāhine are asked to wear a skirt or dress, and tāne are asked to wear long trousers. Please bring a change of clothing if needed.

• Comfortable, sturdy footwear 

• Warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a rain jacket 

• Sunblock, a sun hat and insect repellent 

• A water bottle 

• Any personal medication you may need, including allergy medication or an inhaler 

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Some locations are relatively remote and mobile coverage may be limited or unavailable.

 

The registration form requests relevant medical, allergy and emergency information so organisers can respond appropriately if assistance is needed. If you have already registered without providing this, please contact events@plf.org.nz before the event. 

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ACCESSIBILITY 

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If you have any accessibility or mobility requirements, please contact events@plf.org.nz ahead of the event so we can discuss how best to support you. 

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Thanks to our sponsors, CAMA and Greenworks Commercial, UTV transport will be available to assist attendees with mobility requirements at some locations, where site access, conditions and safety requirements allow.  

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COMMUNICATION AND KNOWING WHERE TO GO 

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Registered attendees will be invited to join the event WhatsApp group before the event. It will be the main channel for urgent or time-sensitive updates during the two days, including: 

• Delays or programme changes 

• Road, access or meeting-point updates 

• Emergencies 

• Helping anyone separated from the convoy or unsure where to go 

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Please join the event WhatsApp group before the event and ensure WhatsApp is installed on the phone you will have with you. 

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A downloadable event map with venues, routes and meeting points will be provided before the event. Download or save it to your phone in advance, as coverage may be limited. Printed copies will also be supplied on the day. 

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TUESDAY EVENING
Please note that there is no organised mix and mingle on Tuesday evening. As many attendees are arriving late or travelling to Tauranga on Wednesday morning, the event will begin with the scheduled Wednesday programme.