G’Day New Zealand was launched in style this week officially on Australia Day in Auckland, with Tourism Australia and the Consul General for Australia, Ian Chesterfield, hosting more than 220 attendees at the exclusive, black-tie cocktail function, who were welcomed by Dame Edna and Shane Warne look-a-likes, with guests including dignitaries, business, community and arts leaders.
Australian sporting personality, Peter FitzSimons was the Master of Ceremonies during the evening of Australian food, wine and entertainment which culminated in an Australian-themed fireworks display over the Viaduct Harbour.
Consul General Chesterfield said, “I am delighted to support Tourism Australia’s G’Day NZ Australia Week, with the week doing a superb job of celebrating the common values and cultural traditions that bind Australia and New Zealand, as well as embracing the differences we both bring to our unique, close relationship”.
Tourism Australia Regional Manager, Vito Anzelmi, said G’Day NZ Australia Week is a celebration of the spirit of mateship between Kiwis and Aussies, adding, “G’Day NZ Australia Week is an opportunity to celebrate this camaraderie between the two countries and further develop our unique trans-Tasman bond.”
“It is appropriate to announce the launch of G’Day NZ Australia Week 2007 on Australia Day, in recognition of the 60,000 plus Aussies that live here, and the huge number of Kiwi families, businesses and organisations that have close links with Australia,” Mr Anzelmi added.
“New Zealand is an important market for the Australia, not only for tourism, but also trade, investment and political partnerships.”
More than 600,000 New Zealanders make over 1.1 million trips across the Tasman each year.
G’Day NZ Australia Week 2007 (23-29 April 2007) is presented by Tourism Australia, featuring a number of events that highlight Australian food and wine, film, arts and indigenous culture, including, the Spirit of Mateship Gala Dinner, Corporate Golf Day, Longest Australian Lunch in New Zealand with more exciting events to come!
For more information on any of these events and for opportunities to purchase tickets, please visit www.australiaweek.co.nz
Report by The Mole
