12. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What initiatives has the Government undertaken to ensure that New Zealand businesses can create economic benefits from the 2011 Rugby World Cup?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Last night I launched the New Zealand 2011 Business Club, an online platform to connect overseas business people who are interested in attending the Rugby World Cup with their Kiwi counterparts. The club will enable regions—
Hon Trevor MallardHon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The club will enable regions and businesses throughout the country to get information on the visitors coming to their area, including their businesses and social interests, so they can offer to host them at events and, as a result, learn more about how they operate in their own markets. The club will create a lasting legacy and strong international connections. It is free to join and it can be found at www.nz2011.govt.nz. Might I say that it took a National Government to put the title “Sir” on Sir Colin Meads.
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The Government has an office called New Zealand 2011 and it has been working closely with Business New Zealand, regional economic development agencies, and chambers of commerce to develop its business engagement programme. In addition, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has developed a guide to opportunities in 2011, as well as a website to make procurement opportunities easy and accessible for local businesses. Our 2011 ambassadors have been successful in promoting New Zealand in overseas markets through the vehicle of the Rugby World Cup. Regions are putting events into the Festival 2011, which will help showcase the capacity of New Zealand business. We will soon be undertaking a regional roadshow to promote the business club and encourage New Zealand businesses to get involved. The tickets are on sale, the stadiums are going up, and there are only 499 days to go.