Free entry coupon in Hamilton rates notices

More than 50,000 Hamilton ratepayers have an opportunity to enjoy two of the city’s
most popular visitor attractions, using a free entry coupon included in their next rates
notice.

Enclosed with each rates notice will be a coupon offering ratepayers a choice of either a
free child entry and one free hydroslide at Waterworld, or a free child entry to Hamilton
Zoo. The offer will be valid until 21 October 2011.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker said the purpose of the free entry offer is to encourage
ratepayers to see firsthand where some of their rates are allocated.

“For ratepayers who haven’t already visited these two Council-owned facilities, this is
an invitation to head along with their families, enjoy one of the discounted entry offers
and experience the community facilities that their rates contribute to,” said Mayor
Hardaker.

About 52,000 rates notices are scheduled for delivery to Hamilton ratepayers over the
coming month. The notices are being distributed in four mail-drops to different sections
of the city between now and mid-August.

Hamilton Zoo and Waterworld have both experienced significant increases in visitor
numbers over the last financial year – Hamilton Zoo welcomed more than 137,000
visitors (up about 22,000 from 2009/10) and Waterworld fielded 524,000 visitors (an
increase of 66,000 on 2009/10). Hamilton Zoo credits its increase to new attractions
such as the meerkats, Weka Walk exhibit and baby rhinoceros Bunty, and good
patronage by school groups, while Waterworld attributes its strong patronage to long
summer weather and an increase in people wanting to get healthier and fitter.

Waikato Museum has also experienced a surge in visitor numbers over the past year –
rising from 114,094 in 2009/10 to 160,000 for the 2010/11 financial year. This
increase has been attributed to several factors including the popularity of exhibits
Hatching the Past, Anne Frank and The Art of Dr Seuss, successful education and public
programmes, and strong marketing and sponsorship partnerships.