A PR firm is offering to spice up the mayoral race in Wellington by running an ‘Amazing Race’ type competition on September the 18th to try and drum up some interest in the election (and presumably business for their firm). The premise is…
My game idea is based on an IQ-oriented version of the Amazing Race combined with cryptic clues a la Da Vinci Code – all specific to Wellington’s unique pockets of history and mystery and based on some of Wellington’s iconic symbols. The name of the game is the Wellington Lion Hunt.
In my mind it is a bit rediculous, but if it gets people thinking about the elections (or even realizing they are happening!) it’s probably a good thing. And as the promoters point out, there is a very real problem they are addressing…
The last thing Wellingtonians who I speak to want is another bland and pedestrian Mayoral campaign season, in which people simply sleep walk their way into public office
Totally agree.
One thing that we have (so far) missed out on, are televised mayoral debates. The two major contenders for both the Auckland and Christchurch mayoralty have had some great debates in the last few weeks, and having them televised is a great thing. Wellington has missed out, presumably because our contest seems to be a sleep walk.
Not sure exactly what would be the best way to further promote the contest, or just make it interesting, but something needs to be done.
WCC Watch 
Hi there, I’m the organiser of this ‘amazing race’ (I’m a game designer not a PR firm – see http://www.mynzeye.co.nz). The latest is that Wellington Mayoral candidates Celia Wade-Brown and Jack Yan will be fielding teams in The Wellington Lion Hunt walking and puzzle solving event around the streets of Wellington in a week’s time, this coming Saturday 18th September.
The challenge generated responses from all Mayoral candidates except for Al Mansell and Bryan Pepperell, as well as several councillors. Current Mayor Kerry Prendergast is undertaking to arrange her diary to enter a team.
Sir Michael Fowler, the former Wellington Mayor who is standing for election as a councillor for the Lambton Ward, will be the ‘host’ of this amazing three hour long race, and the Wellington Rugby Football Union is also supporting the event which occurs on the next matchday for a game against Hawkes Bay at the Westpac Stadium.
This event is about getting candidates who want to be our civic leaders involved in something that literally puts them on the streets of Wellington and tests their collaborative skills and knowledge of Wellington City. The winner on the day will be Wellington – because this event will be promoting interest in some of the hidden secrets and special spots contained in this city we all love.
Anyone wanting a notice providing details about the event can email me at mynzeye@gmail.com Mynzeye will be confirming other entrants and supporters over the next week. Further entrants and expressions of support are welcomed.