Nelson sorry to farewell awards

Nelson retailers, art galleries and wineries have been pleased by the business brought in by this year's Montana World of Wearable Art Awards.

Some also cast doubt on whether patrons will be as keen to take their custom to Wellington when the awards move there next year.

Red gallery owner Jay Farnsworth said this awards period had been even better than previous years.

"It's the best week we have ever had."

Kitts Shoes owner Roger Duncan said the past premiere weekend had been better for business than previous corresponding weekends.

"I'm sure there are a lot of people here this time who have made a special effort to have a good weekend," he said.

Nelson central business district co-ordinator Sherry Mirfin said many visiting groups of women had been shopping in the city centre.

"There definitely has been a lot of people and they have been buying."

Mrs Mirfin said many out-of-town shoppers were telling retailers they didn't think they would travel to the awards in Wellington next year as Nelson was a big part of the attraction.

As well as the ease of shopping, many groups said they spent time visiting the region's galleries and wineries, Mrs Mirfin said.

"It's a bit of a destination; there's sort of a big package."

Mr Duncan echoed the sentiments, saying most out-of-towners had told him Nelson was a wonderful destination because of the galleries, wineries and cafes throughout the region.

"Most of them are not going to bother going to Wellington."

Waimea Estates general manager Mike Brown said turnover at the weekend had been up 250 per cent on the previous weekend - a similar figure to previous awards weekends.

"People tend to buy a lot of wine as well as coming to dine."

People seemed to be of the opinion that this year was the last truly authentic awards.

- NZPA