1st November 2005
Famous New Zealanders Join Search for New Zealand Dreams
The Evers-Swindells, Grant Fox and Theresa Gattung are just some of the famous Kiwi achievers participating in a
nationwide initiative to capture New Zealand’s dreams.
Over the next three weeks, the Big Dreams tour aims to uncover what New Zealanders want for themselves, their families
and for future generations, by visiting 40 different locations around the country.
All New Zealanders (over the age of 14) are invited to sit down on the couch with one of the famous achievers or “dreams
catchers” to discuss their own dreams, or visit www.bigdreams.co.nz or call 0800 BIG DREAMS to participate.
Results of the nationwide survey, thought to be the first ever undertaken, will be released early next year and is
supported by Telecom. Every participant in the survey will be entered into a free draw to win one of the latest
high-tech toys, ranging from MP3 mobiles to PlayStation Portables, plus petrol & retail vouchers, all with a total prize value of over $100,000.
“We wanted to ask all New Zealanders what they are dreaming about and are fortunate to have so many of our top achievers
joining the search for New Zealand’s dreams,” said Telecom CEO Theresa Gattung.
“We’ll be analyzing the results of the survey to find out what’s really important to us as a nation, and how we can help
New Zealanders achieve their dreams.”
The survey will ask participants to reveal their own dreams for themselves, their families and for future generations
around sports, business, family, entertainment, the arts, education and the community.
“Dreams are really important, it doesn’t matter if they’re big or small, the challenges it takes to get there are the
key,” said Georgina Evers Swindell.
Caroline added “The feeling and satisfaction you experience when you turn your dreams into reality is amazing.”
Other dream catchers participating in the tour include Mandy Barker, Grant Fox, Lisa Reid, Tim Beveridge, Sir Richard
Hadlee, Tim Shadbolt and Jim Moriarty.
The Big Dreams Tour, which begins today in Auckland and Christchurch, visits 13 cities, including Whangarei, Hamilton,
Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson and Dunedin.
For full details of the Big Dreams tour visit www.bigdreams.co.nz.
ENDS
BIG DREAMS: Key Media Facts
Q1. What is Big Dreams?
Big Dreams is about finding out what New Zealanders want for themselves,
for their families and for future generations of Kiwis. We’re a great nation –
famous for key figures who have achieved their dreams e.g. Sir Edmund
Hillary, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Peter Jackson.
With the help of some famous Dream Catchers we’re asking all New Zealanders 15 years and over to participate.
Q2. Who are Dream Catchers?
Dream Catchers are famous New Zealanders who have achieved their own dreams and would like to inspire others to
reveal their hopes and dreams around sports, arts, education, community etc.
Dream Catchers participating in the tour include Mandy Barker, Grant Fox, Jessie Gurunathan, Shelton Woolright, Tim
Beveridge, Sir Richard Hadlee, Tim Shadbolt and Jim Moriarty.
A full list and interviews of each Dream Catcher can be found at www.bigdreams.co.nz
Q4. Where will the Dream Catchers be?
The Dream Catchers will be visiting the country on the Big Dreams sofa tour.
We have 2 Big Dreams sofa roadshows happening in the 3-week survey,
visiting 13 cities and more than 30 different locations nationwide, ranging from
shopping malls, to offices, to transport centres. The tour, which begins
today in Auckland and Christchurch, visits 13 cities, including Whangarei,
Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North, New
Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson and Dunedin.
Q6. Who can complete the survey?
Everyone 15 years or over who is currently living in New Zealand (not just visiting). There are no other
restrictions. It is accessible for all New Zealanders to take part – either online, via 0800 Big Dreams or the “Big
Dreams Sofa Tour”, where people will have access to the survey online or be distributed with hard copies of the survey.
Q7. How long is the survey live for?
The survey launched on Tuesday 1 November and will be open for 3 weeks, closing midnight Sunday 20 November.
Q8. How has the content been determined?
Research specialists for Big Dreams have gathered together groups of New Zealanders of all ages and backgrounds
around the country to discuss New Zealand’s biggest dreams in recent weeks. Those focus group discussions have
determined the content of the survey.
Q9. What will the results be used for?
Telecom will be using the results of the survey to ensure they’re doing everything we can to help New Zealanders achieve
their dreams. They will be revealing the results early next year.
Q10. Where can I find more information on Big Dreams?
Please visit www.bigdreams.co.nz