Debate as wedding fair seed funding approved

A REQUEST by organisers of a new Central Otago wedding fair for seed funding has raised the question whether community boards should finance commercial enterprises.

The Vincent Community Board yesterday agreed to underwrite $10,000 for the new event.

The Central Otago Wedding Fair will be held in Alexandra on September 16, at which businesses in the region related to the wedding industry would have stalls.

Board member Brian Fitzgerald said he was concerned the board was funding a commercial venture.

Board member Barrie Wills said although it was a business venture, it would have ‘‘huge’’ community spinoffs.

Board member Malcolm Topliss said it would be oneoff funding to ‘‘get it off the ground’’.

‘‘It could potentially be huge for businesses in Central Otago.’’

The board had tabled an Alexandra post office beatification project which was ‘‘surely also a business’’, he said.

Event coorganiser Sophie Chalmers said she saw some ‘‘pretty big opportunities’’ for businesses to showcase what they had to offer.

In the last week since the event website was launched, 30 businesses from throughout the region confirmed they would buy stalls, she said.

The total cost of the event was estimated at $19,300.