Hon Kelvin Davis
Minister of Tourism
6 November 2019
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis heads to China on Friday to lead the New Zealand Government presence at the China-New
Zealand Year of Tourism closing ceremony.
The ceremony will take place at Canton Tower in Guangzhou on Sunday 10 November.
“The Year of Tourism has been mutually beneficial for both New Zealand and China, and the ceremony will be a celebration
of manaakitanga, a value that both our countries share,” Kelvin Davis said.
The event will feature performances from Modern Māori Quartet and Te Puia/New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Both groups are currently touring in China.
As part of the closing ceremony, Kelvin Davis and China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang will illuminate
the 600-metre high Canton Tower.
“This is an opportunity to showcase New Zealand, our people and culture to a wide and influential audience,” Kelvin
Davis said.
“Canton Tower is an iconic location. Millions of people can see the Tower so this offers an amazing opportunity to
promote Aotearoa.
“Guangzhou has important tourism and trade links for New Zealand. I look forward to strengthening our relationship and
promoting New Zealand while I’m there,” Kelvin Davis said.
Kelvin Davis will be in China from 8 to 12 November and will also attend bilateral tourism meetings and trade promotion
activities.
Notes to editors
• The closing ceremony is held on the eve of Singles Day, the largest offline and online shopping day in the
world. Tourism New Zealand is partnering with Fliggy, the travel service platform of Alibaba Group which runs an
extensive campaign to align with the day, to promote New Zealand.
• A full-size 1.5m long custom carved taiaha designed and carved at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts
Institute based at Te Puia in Rotorua will be the official gift from New Zealand to China, and presented at the
ceremony. The taiaha has been carved from rātā by pouako whakairo rākau (wood carving tutor) Tommy Herbert (Ngāti
Rongomai, Tainui, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui).
• More information on the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism can be found at www.cnzyot.govt.nz
ends