NZ Business Lured by Brisbane Super Yachts

New Zealand Business Lured by Brisbane Super Yachts

BRISBANE, Aug.23/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

Campbell Newman Brisbane Lord Mayor Media Release

BRISBANE’S burgeoning reputation as a super yacht headquarters is proving the drawcard for New Zealand delegates to the Asia Pacific Cities Summit next week.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the Summit enables trade, investment and debate for Brisbane and participating cities across the Asia Pacific region.

``New Zealand is the home to Brisbane’s Seven Sister City, Auckland, and we are very keen to encourage greater trading with New Zealand business and government.

Cr Newman said the leisure marine industry will be a key subject at the Summit, with keynote speaker Superyacht Base Australia Limited Chief Executive Lance Cushion.

``Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing industrial, international trade and business precinct and we have a lot to offer rapidly-growing New Zealand business interests.

``Queensland generates more than 4 per cent of the national boat industry turnover, and has averaged 9 per cent growth, compared with a national 7.8 per cent per annum.

``As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane has positioned itself to exploit these growth opportunities. The International Boat Show that is part of the Summit is Asia-Pacific's largest on-water boat show attracting key players from all over the world.’’

Summit organisers have invited some of the world’s best speakers on economic development and trends affecting Asian cities. Hot topics include renewal and sustainable tourism. New Zealand speakers are:

* Mayor Kerry Prendergast (Wellington) – elected Mayor in 2001, his distinguished career in politics began as a Tawa Borough Councillor in 1986.

* Mayor Tim Shadbolt (Invercargill) – elected for fourth term in 2004. Over twelve years in office, he was responsible for constructing Invercargill’s international airport, an aquatic centre, and a zero-fee educational program.

* Councillor Richard Northey, ONZM (Auckland) – first elected to Auckland City Council in 1979, now chair of the Labour Local Government Sector Council, Peace Foundation and Auckland District Council of Social Service.

* Mr Graeme Osbourne (Auckland) – appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Auckland in October 2000.

* Rod Oram (Auckland) – award-winning international finance journalist and Adjunct Professor at the New Zealand Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Unitec.

Brisbane City Council and Austrade will conduct match inbound business delegations from New Zealand with potential customers, suppliers and partners from South East Queensland.

This year’s theme for Asia Pacific Cities Summit (31 Aug - 3 Sep) is `Renewing Asia Pacific Cities’.

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