Wed, 9 Feb 2005
Telecom Wishes Chinese A “Gong Xi Fa Cai”
Telecom toasts the year of the Rooster with up to 50 percent savings on selected calls.
“It’s all about family reunions, red packets, wishes of prosperity and good health, and enthusiastic chants of “Gong Xi
Fa Cai”,” said Telecom’s new Senior Marketing Manager – Asian Markets Karen Chong, when it comes to Chinese New Year.
Recently appointed to the new role, Ms Chong has been tasked with managing Telecom’s Asian portfolio and developing a
better understanding of the market.
And the results have been quick and forthcoming.
>From 22 January to 6 March, Telecom residential customers can call landlines in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia
and Singapore and pay no more than $3.99 for a two hour direct dial (00) call off peak, or 6 cents a minute anytime of
the day using Telecom’s 0161* service.
“That’s half our standard off-peak capped rates or 33 percent off our 0161 rate to these countries,” said Chong.
Customers taking advantage of the Chinese New Year calling special will also go into the draw to win return tickets to
either Hong Kong or Singapore flying Air New Zealand, and five nights accommodation at the InterContinental.
“Chinese have a strong sense of family unity which is most pronounced at Chinese New Year when families come together to
celebrate over a magnificent feast that can last well into the night.
“However, for many Chinese living in New Zealand, their family will be overseas so the phone or email becomes the
primary form of communicating with them during this festive time.
“Our Chinese New Year calling special means families can talk for a lot longer without worrying about call costs –
there’s never been a better time to call.”
In addition to calling specials, Telecom also participated in the Chinese New Year Festival at the Auckland Showground
on 22 January, and is gearing up to sponsor the annual Lantern Festivals in Auckland and Christchurch, on 25 to 27 Feb
and 5 to 6 March, respectively.
“I’m really excited about enhancing our relationship with our Asian customers and see the Chinese New Year festivals as
a great opportunity to interact and learn more about what our Asian customers really want from Telecom,” said Ms Chong.
* The call quality on Telecom’s 0161 service is not guaranteed.
ENDS