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Otago Daily Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Goodbye old CBD, hello The Exchange
Timaru's CBD was officially rebranded as The Exchange last week. PHOTO: CONNOR HALEY The heart of Timaru has been given a bold new identity Last week the city's CBD officially became branded as The Exchange. As part of the rebrand, a new online guide and website was launched in an effort to provide locals and visitors with everything they would need to shop, dine, relax and explore in central Timaru. The Exchange is also the new destination name for the Timaru Business Improvement District (BID) area. It was developed in collaboration with the CBD Group, local businesses, community stakeholders and creative agency SPF Websites, based within the BID itself. BID manager Tania Stoddart said in statement they were proud to have launched The Exchange after two years in the making. "We hope people feel a sense of connection as they explore the website and rediscover the businesses in our CBD. "During consultation, it became clear that our point of difference isn't about size or scale, it's the craftsmanship, the personal service, and the community feel that makes this place special. "This brand gives us a platform to showcase everything that makes our CBD special. It's a catalyst for economic momentum and a celebration of local pride." The name The Exchange was chosen as it draws from Timaru's rich trading history and symbolises the ongoing exchange of ideas, commerce, and culture. The launch marked a major milestone in the evolution of the Timaru BID, which was formalised in 2023 and adopted into the Timaru District Council's 2024 Annual Plan. The new destination brand aimed to support the BID's mission: "to drive foot traffic, enable business growth, build confidence, and position the CBD as a place where people want to work, live, invest and belong". —APL
Otago Daily Times
12-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Samoan culture put in the spotlight
Pupils from primary schools around South Canterbury take to the stage to celebrate Samoan Language Week. PHOTOS: CONNOR HALEY The strength of South Canterbury's Samoan community was highlighted last week with a variety of cultural performances. For the first time in three years Multicultural Aoraki held its Samoan Language Week coffee group in conjunction with several South Canterbury primary schools. This year's theme was "Ia malu lou sā, folau i lagimā"(a well-grounded self, is a successful self). The event was hosted at the Waimataitai School hall, and featured two hours of performances from six primary schools and several community groups. Multicultural Aoraki events co-ordinator Maturo Siaosi said the Samoan community in South Canterbury had come a long way since he first arrived in the area. "This community is really important. I came here as a young kid, 27 years back, and there were only a few Samoan families. "[Today] all the schools have Samoan kids in them. It's so good to keep that going; the Samoan culture, the language and it's good to see lots of parents and friends getting involved. "It's really great for the community, and for self-development. I think it's a positive note for Samoan Language Week.'' Multicultural Aoraki events co-ordinator Maturo Siaosi dishes out some sapasui. Samoan groups around Timaru also have weekly meetings and events to make connections and keep their culture and language alive. These include the Samoan Society's language workshops on a Monday and a coffee group on a Wednesday. It was more important than ever for culture and language to be preserved, he said. "I found with a couple of families that moved from Samoa, none of the kids now speak Samoan, they all speak English. "The message we want to push out to all the Samoans, or even any islander, is just to make sure you keep your culture and your language. "Don't lose all that stuff, because it's really important in life.'' He said he was pleased that Timaru was so supportive of and willing to learn about Samoan and Pasifika culture. "It was a successful event, and it was really good. We had to make it small last year because we ran out of funding but we could do it this year with the help of Waimataitai. "A couple of the principals have already talked to me about next year." — Nick Monaco is the Courier's Gateway Programme student.
