Information for tourists and residents in Methven will soon be available at a community information centre, when the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall Board, in conjunction with the Council takes over the service on 1 July.

As local residents, the Board understands the important role continued access to information will play for the community, businesses and visitors after the Methven i-SITE officially closes. The information centre will continue to operate from the same location as the i-SITE within the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall.

Today's development follows an Experience Mid Canterbury (EMC) decision to change it’s service model which included closing the i-SITE due to declining visitor numbers and the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Council Chief Executive, Hamish Riach says he's pleased a viable solution has been found so quickly.

"Methven has many great offerings for visitors and is a central component of Mid Canterbury tourism. The Mt Hutt Memorial Hall Board are passionate about their town, and we are really impressed with their enthusiasm to come on board and deliver this new service.

"The truly great outcome of this arrangement is that Methven's tourism and information service will remain in local hands with local knowledge."

The community information centre is expected to operate from 10am - 4pm seven days a week, and will provide information and advice for visitors and locals alike.

Online bookings will no longer be part of the information centre service, but Mr Riach adds that service still exists via local travel agents.

"The idea is not to replicate the i-SITE, but to continue providing the core functions residents and visitors have come to value. Going forward, we expect there may be further opportunities to grow the service offerings within the facility," he said.

The Board will review the new service after four months, when the ski season is over to assess its effectiveness and identify any areas of improvement to further support the town.​