Sue Bradford
Government Spokesperson for Buy Kiwi Made
31 March 2008 Media Statement
Kiwis go Buy Kiwi Mad
Centenary celebrations for the Buy Kiwi Made campaign kick-off at Parliament on Wednesday with the official start of
April's 'Buy Kiwi Mad' month.
"Retailers have really come on board with this promotion, which celebrates the past 100 years of buying New Zealand made
and looks forward to the next 100," says Ms Bradford, Government Spokesperson for Buy Kiwi Made.
"Kiwis have always been passionate about homegrown goods. Buy Kiwi campaigns have included everything from
specially-painted locomotives, postage marks, a nationwide walk, street parades, and seaside demonstrations; to today's
high-tech television production and multi-media campaign."
Ms Bradford intends to pay specific tribute to one of the most dramatic buy Kiwi campaigns in the last 100 years; the
feat of Esther James, architect, inventor and fashion-model, who was the first person recorded as walking the length of
New Zealand. "Esther James walked 1600 miles through New Zealand towns and communities, wearing Kiwi made clothes to
focus the nation's attention on the value of buying Kiwi made," she says.
Ms Bradford will commemorate Esther James' arrival at Parliament on April 2 76 years ago, while wearing a replica outfit
that has been recreated using today's materials and techniques.
The Buy New Zealand Made Campaign Ltd, with its kiwi in a triangle logo, also celebrates its 20th birthday this year
with a consumer competition as part of the Buy Kiwi Mad month.
ENDS