Oh buoy: young professionals set to have a ball

A group for young working Nelsonians is pushing the boat out with its monthly events, social gatherings and flagship annual ball.

Nelson Young Professional’s committee member Bridget McCormick said they had experienced ‘‘rapid growth’’ over the past 18 months.

‘‘Our monthly Friday drinks bring over 70 people into our locally-owned pubs,’’ McCormick said.

The big event though is annual ball which this year will be held on Nelson’s waterfront, at The Boathouse.

‘‘We’re putting a lot of work and effort into making it a big night for everyone. It’s a big opportunity for people to really dress up. You don’t have many options to go to a ball in Nelson so it makes it pretty exciting.’’

She said NYP ‘‘bridged a gap’’ for those who had left high school, but weren’t yet starting families - especially those who were new to Nelson.

‘‘People who have come back to Nelson after being away and all their friends are gone and they come back to a strange town... a lot of us who are on the committee... we’re really passionate with the way NYP helped us to find friends and make connections with people.’’

McCormick said they’d organised a netball team, touch teams, as well as seminars and information evenings, and were always aiming to provide variety for members.

She said this year’s ball would follow in the tradition of previous years, but with a few changes.

‘‘We’re not having a sit down meal, we’re having grazing tables... we’ve got cool spot prizes, and we’ve got a really cool venue, The Boathouse, that’s going to be amazing.’’

The band ‘‘Don’t Frett’’ will perform at the event.

NYP also has a number of other events coming up including an investment seminar, volunteer evening, sailing adventure and Christmas function. It holds monthly drinks, with this month’s planned for September 22 at Sprig and Fern Hardy St.

The ‘‘All Aball’d’’ ball is sponsored by My Tax and will be held at The Boathouse on October 14. Tickets are on sale now - $90 for members and $110 for non members.

Membership to NYP costs $30 and people can sign up at www.nyp.co.nz.