Inclusivity's at the heart of a Luma initiative.
The annual light and art festival will take over Queenstown Gardens from next Thursday to Monday, June 3 and, for the second year, will include LUMAbility, supported by Queenstown Airport, an initiative ensuring those with diverse abilities are able to enjoy the display, in a calm, crowd-free environment.
Event organisers have worked with Pivotal Point and Mint charitable trusts, Living Options, Idea Services, the Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association, Queenstown Alzheimer’s and PICS to develop the project.
"On a sensory level, Luma can feel overwhelming, but our small groups and tailored programme make it easier for those who may struggle in crowds, have physical challenges or need the comfort of people they know around them."
The 45-minute tours will run each night, outside Luma’s normal hours, will have capacity for up to 25 people — participants bring a carer or family member with them.
Luma spokesman Tim Buckley says feedback from last year was overwhelmingly positive.
Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell says their partnerships programme’s anchored on creating "meaningful change" which provides value to the region, both for visitors and residents.
Luma runs from May 30 to June 3, between 5pm and 10pm — tickets via luma.nz — while the LUMAbility tours run from 4pm each day.
