AUCKLAND ( 12 July, 2000) – Global financial services and travel group American Express has launched a co-brand credit
card with New Zealand’s premier ski area company nzski.com.
The new Credit Card brings together all of the financial and service benefits of the American Express blue Credit Card
with a wide range of discounts for skiers provided by nzski.com.
Benefits for skiers in the 2000 season include ski lift, hire and lesson discounts. Credit Cardmembers who are also
nzski.com season pass or frequent card holders will receive an extra level of discounts and benefits. Air New Zealand
owned nzski.com operates three of New Zealand’s best ski areas - Mt Hutt, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. The new
Credit Card will enable holders to use their card to receive discounts at all three areas, thus providing the maximum
chance to enjoy the slopes this season.
American Express-nzski.com Cardmembers will also receive an additional benefit of a free group lesson with any purchase
of a 5-day lift pass when they use their card in 2000.
“If you love to ski or snowboard or want to give it a try, and want a great financial deal, then this Credit Card
programme with American Express is designed for you,” said Glenn Wedlock, Sales and Marketing Manager for nzski.com.
“We are delighted to have chosen American Express as our new and exclusive credit card provider because we know that our
strategic partnership provides nzski.com customers with a superior product in terms of value for money, services,
benefits and global support, “ Mr Wedlock said.
The agreement will also see American Express and nzski.com work together to promote the New Zealand ski industry in New
Zealand and overseas.
Anna Hynes, Vice President and Country Manager for American Express, said the new Credit Card forms part of American
Express’s aggressive growth and distribution strategy in this country.
“Our Blue Credit Card has been warmly accepted by the New Zealand public since it was launched earlier this year, and we
believe the extra benefits nzski.com is offering will make this new co-brand Credit Card equally successful with New
Zealand skiers,” Ms Hynes said.
The American Express-nzski.com Credit Card features a competitive standard interest rate of 16.99%, which is 2
percentage points lower than the average market rate.
New cardmembers will also be offered a six-month introductory interest rate of 9.99% on balances transferred from other
credit cards.
In addition, the American Express-nzski.com card offers a money-back rebate of up to 1% for every dollar spent on the
card.
The introductory offer also sees the annual fee of $35 waived for the first year.
On top of these financial incentives, nzski.com is offering the following benefits with the Card:
American Express-nzski.com Cardmembers:
10% off nzski.com activities including lift passes, NZSuperpass, ski and snowboard school, and rental
20% off beginner lift, lesson and rental programmes.
One free lesson when you buy a 5+ day nzski.com lift pass.
American Express-nzski.com Cardmembers and nzski.com Season Pass/Frequent Cardholders:
15% off NZSuperpass, ski and snowboard school and rental
50% off O-Zone Tubing at The Remarkables.
15% off product in nzski.com snowshops
20% off the Funzone demo centres.
The new card offers up to 55 days interest-free, and free additional cards for partners or family. Cardmembers will have
access to American Express’s worldwide customer service network, which includes free emergency card replacement and
access to a network of more than 1,700 travel offices in more than 130 countries.
The American Express-nzski.com Card will be promoted during the Air New Zealand Queenstown Winter Festival from July
14-23. American Express and nzski.com are major sponsors of the festival.
Ongoing promotion of the Card will include a direct mailing to nzski.com’s extensive customer base.
About American Express:
The American Express Company, which is celebrating it 150th anniversary this year, is a diversified worldwide travel,
financial and network services company. Founded in 1850, it is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques,
travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. For more information about
American Express, visit the worldwide web site at http://www.americanexpress.co.nz.
About nzski.com
nzski.com is New Zealand’s largest ski area company operating Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt ski areas. It
was the 1999 New Zealand Tourism award winner for
Best Visitor Attraction
Best Training and Education
nzski.com offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding activities, which are actively marketed through its website at
http://www.nzski.com.
For further information:
Mark Reynolds
Public Affairs
American Express New Zealand
Tel: 09 3674370
Mobile: 025 2073303
Fiona Woodham
Public Affairs
nzski.com
03 4427715
Mobile: 025 313 270