Tourism Australia’s G’DAY NZ Australia Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2006

Tourism Australia’s G’DAY New Zealand Australia Week
To Become An Annual Event

Tourism Australia has confirmed that G’Day New Zealand Australia Week is to become an annual fixture due to the overwhelming success of the inaugural campaign.

Over 5,000 people directly participated in the events which made up G’Day New Zealand Australia Week. The focus of the week was the ‘spirit of mateship’ between New Zealand and Australia.

Tourism Australia backed G’DAY NZ Australia Week in recognition of the fact that New Zealand is an important market for the country, not only for tourism, but also trade, investment and political partnerships.

“We’re ecstatic with the response to G’DAY NZ Australia Week, so much so that we intend to run a series of events again next year,” said Vito Anzelmi, Tourism Australia’s Regional Manager for New Zealand. “We will take feedback from this year’s campaign start discussions with trans-Tasman companies to expand the celebration next year both in the number of events and locations throughout New Zealand.”

G’Day New Zealand Australia Week 2006 was designed to celebrate the best Australia has to offer and showcase Australian food and wine, film, arts and indigenous culture. Events included: the National Geographic Photographic Exhibition by Sam Abell; the ‘Spirit of Mateship’ Gala Dinner; the Longest Australian Lunch in New Zealand and the United Travel Australian Film Selection.

Almost 4,000 Wellingtonians enjoyed Australia through the National Geographic Lens Exhibition by Sam Abell at Te Papa over five days which featured photographs from renowned photographer Sam Abell. The launch to the exhibition was co-hosted with Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, John Dauth. The exhibition will be opening at Auckland’s Aotea Centre from May 8-15.

Scott Morrison, Tourism Australia Managing Director, presented the inaugural ‘Spirit of Mateship’ Award to Aussie Mark Smith and Kiwi Steve Freeman at the G’Day New Zealand Australia Week Gala dinner held in Auckland on ANZAC Eve. The pair shared their shared their survival story after being adrift in the South China Sea for 11 days with more than 320 VIP guests who attended this black tie event.

The Longest Australia Lunch in New Zealand was well-attended with over 400 guests enjoying platters featuring Aussie king prawns, kangaroo, barramundi and crocodile meat along with premium Lindeman’s wine and Crown Lager.

The MC for the event was Tony Veitch, with Warrior players Wairangi Koopu, Nathan Fien and Todd Byrne and Campbell Live’s Jaquie Brown (dressed as a Kiwi) joining in on the festivities. Entertainment also included an Aboriginal dance performance by Descendance with the Australian High Commissioner, John Dauth, providing a cameo performance.

The exclusive New Zealand Premiere of Lost & Found took place on Sunday night at the Rialto Cinema in Newmarket, marking the end to the successful United Travel Australian Film Selection. The event was MC’d by TV3’s Kate Roger with cast and crew of the film Brett Climo (lead actor), Sharn Hammond (lead actress), David Blake (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor) and Kate Carmichael (producer) in attendance. The movie also stars New Zealand-born Rebecca Gibney and Frankie J Holden. Lost & Found opens to the New Zealand public on May 4, 2006.

For more information on how to get involved in next year’s G’Day New Zealand Australia Week visit www.australiaweek.co.nz

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