New Zealand Businesses

With no shortage of bright ideas, visitors will glimpse an exciting future as our innovators display their latest creations at The Rutherford Innovation Showcase.

“The ICT industry exemplifies New Zealand‘s unique combination of practicality, passion and innovation.”

New Zealand has a proud history of innovation, particularly in the areas of medicine, atomics, aviation and navigation. The Hi-Tech and Information and Communications Technology industry currently earns $20b in earnings each year, and employs 40,000 New Zealanders. However, it has plans to grow.

“The fast growing Hi-Tech and ICT sector has the potential to be the largest export earner in the next decade,” says Bennett Medary, Chair of NZICT. “The ICT industry exemplifies New Zealand‘s unique combination of practicality, passion and innovation, resulting in the emergence of global-impacting technologies.

“The Tournament gives our local ICT businesses a golden opportunity to connect with international visitors. To help make those connections, the Rutherford Innovation Showcase will hold events in three cities, bringing our innovative business people together with potential investors, partnerships or customers.”

Here is a small selection of events.

Canterbury Software Summit & UCONZ Trade Show – Christchurch, September 8
The first on the innovation showcase calendar, this event will feature inspiring stories from national and international business leaders, as well as informative technical sessions. Organised by the Canterbury Software Cluster, UCONZ and NZICT, the theme for this year’s summit is ‘Can you compete in the international market?’

Attendees will hear insights from many successful entrepreneurs including Craig Nevill-Manning from Google, Andrew Lark from the Commonwealth Bank, David Scott from Z Energy, and Scott Bradley from VoucherMob. There will also be plenty of opportunities to network! Registration is free thanks to the generosity of the summit’s sponsors. More information

Digital Content Forum – Wellington, September 23
The Digital Content Forum is a dynamic and compelling showcase featuring a world class line up of New Zealand innovators who are making an impact globally. This forum is specifically relevant for people who are interested in learning about the future of digital, understanding where digital technologies are trending for the future, or exploring how digital technologies are impacting on performance in all arenas. More information

NZ Technology Trade & Investment Forum – Auckland, September 26 & 27
This event will highlight key trade and investment opportunities in the technology sector. It will include leading international technology industry investors and speakers, as well as presentations from senior New Zealand government ministers and agency CEOs. More information

SIDHE interactive

A Christchurch brewer is 'hop'-ping up and down to prove the city is still very much open for business.

“We are in this business for the long-term, and we want to start forging relationships.”

Even though Christchurch has lost its rugby games after earthquakes tore the city apart, the local business people hope international visitors will still plan a stop in the city as they travel around.

“And if they do, they have a standing invitation to come and have a beer with us,” says Hayden Jones, from Matson’s Brewery. The company is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, and brews beer with no preservatives, additives or chemicals.

“Luckily we came through the earthquakes very well, and only had to close for a couple of days,” says Hayden. “Our brewery is still in full operation, and we’d love to take rugby fans on a tour around our purpose-built facility, showing them how we make our batch-brewed, naturally crafted beer!”

However, the true test is in the taste, and Hayden says everyone’s eyes light up when the tour’s over and the tasting begins. “Rugby fans generally love beer, of course, and after we’ve been around the brewery we’ll have to open a couple so visitors get to taste some high-quality local product.”

Hayden says that since people could be passing through at any time, he’s happy to take tours whenever people want. “We hope we can forge some long-term relationships, because that’s how we think about our business – long-term. This is a great chance for us to meet people from overseas, and – who knows? – maybe open up some off-shore markets.

“Our beer is truly alive, which is just like our city. People might be reluctant to come here, but – mawkishness aside – Christchurch is certainly a fascinating city to visit. We need to get on with living and get on with business. And truly, the more people who come and support us, the better!”

Hayden Jones of Matson’s Brewery

Chances are our international meat-eating visitors have enjoyed Taylor Preston’s products – and if they’re in Wellington, here’s their chance to see where it came from.

“New Zealand is known for at least two things – our All Blacks and our beef ‘n’ lamb.”

Because the vast majority of the 1.5 million head of sheep, lambs, goats, calves, and venison Taylor Preston processes each year is exported, most non-vegetarian visitors will likely have eaten the company’s products. “New Zealand is universally known for at least two things – our All Blacks and our beef and lamb,” says Taylor Preston’s CEO Simon Gatenby.

“Most people have never seen how their meat is processed, and many don’t want to. But there’s a lot of interest in the provenance of food now, and how the animals are treated before they are processed. During previous international games, we’d been approached by visiting rugby fans who wanted to come and have a look at our processing plant. That went well, so we decided to do it for the NZ 2011 Business Club.”

The Wellington-based company is offering to show small groups of interested visitors around its plant, which is only a few minutes’ drive from the heart of the city. “We will pick people up from the Shepherd’s Arms pub in town and take them out here,” says Simon. “For people like farmers, people working in food and beverage, or food importers, there’s a lot to see.” After the tour, visitors will be squired back to the Shepherd’s Arms and treated to a nice steak or cut of lamb – and an accompanying local wine or beer, naturally.

And because France is one of Taylor Preston’s biggest markets, there’s also a top chance the French rugby team will have feasted on its meat during training, but Simon reckons the playing field will still be level. “After all, the All Blacks have been used in a New Zealand Beef and Lamb marketing campaign in France, so I’m sure they’ve had their fair share too!”

Every New Zealander knows a Temuka farmer was the first man to fly, and the NZ Flair aviation showcase proves that pedigree still has wings.

“Flair is aimed at stimulating growth, development and investment in New Zealand’s aviation industry.”

New Zealand became a world leader in aviation way back on March 31 1903, when Richard Pearse made the world’s first powered flight. The reliability of that date – nine months before the Wright brothers –may be open to conjecture, but what cannot be denied is this country’s ongoing innovation in aviation. And that’s what will be on display at ‘Flair’, a three-day showcase of New Zealand’s aviation industry, featuring around 1,000 aviation products and services designed and built here.

Organised by New Zealand’s Aviation Industry Cluster, Flair is for aviation enthusiasts as much as professionals. As well as product and service displays, there will be aircraft demonstrations and symposiums, and seminars covering everything from aerodynamics to aircraft homebuilding techniques. Of particular excitement will be emerging technologies, such as the Martin Jetpack, and other new products that will be launched at Flair.

“Flair is aimed at stimulating growth, development and investment in New Zealand’s aviation industry,” says Cluster Chairman, John Jones. “To that end, we’ll have extensive information at Flair about the numerous investment opportunities available in our local industry. Plus, we’ll facilitate networking opportunities throughout the event, aimed at matching investors with local companies.”

When: October 13 (industry only day) October 14-15 (open to the public)
Where: Te Kowhai airfield, Hamilton
Please note that there will be an entry fee. More information

Other aviation events you may be interested in are:

Knights of the Sky Exhibition – Ōmaka, Marlborough
‘The Knights of the Sky Exhibition’ at the Ōmaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough contains the world's largest collection of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia, including a mix of dramatically-staged static displays along with flyable planes. Arranged in over 3,000 square metres of purpose-built display area, this amazing exhibition has been brought to life by Sir Peter Jackson and the multi-award winning Weta Workshop. More information

Ardmore Airport
The home of the New Zealand Warbirds Association, and this country’s busiest airport by aircraft movement, Ardmore Airport in South Auckland will let plane spotters get up close and personal with its aircraft on September 29 from 4pm. Representatives from the 100+ businesses at the airport will be available to chat to all comers, and there will be aircraft – modern and vintage – on display. For more information contact Trevor Wilcox: phone +64 9 298 9544, email trevor@ardmoreairport.co.nz, website

Vintage Aircraft Adventure – Gore, Otago
Mandeville Airfield, near Gore in the South Island, is New Zealand's oldest aerodrome and has a focus on planes from the 1930s era, especially the popular de Havilland aircraft. The Croydon Aircraft Company, based at the airfield, specialises in manufacturing and restoring de Havilland and vintage aircraft. Watch the craftsmen at work, take to the skies in a Tiger Moth, or go on an adrenalin-filled acrobatic joyride. More information

Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine – Wairarapa
Take a meandering journey through New Zealand’s aviation history as you treat yourself to the very best of Wairarapa’s wine and food. Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine is presented as a part of the Wairarapa Spring and Rugby Festival – a rich array of arts, sports and entertainment events. More information

Flair

Some things are best seen from the seat of a cycle, and the South Island’s West Coast is certainly one of those things.

“We do a lot of business on the West Coast, and we want that to grow.”

And now that the community is well on its way to creating a six-day cycle trail on a disused railway, visitors can cycle at their leisure, and in safety, through the Coast’s rainforest, along its dramatic coastline, while admiring its soaring mountains.

Local tourism company, Wild West Adventures, is inviting NZ 2011 Business Club members to stop by as they travel the West Coast, and ride the first part of the rail trail. “We want to introduce people to the West Coast Rail Trail,” says Sebastian Buechele from Wild West Adventures. “This is something the whole community has been working hard to get up and running, so we want to get people here using it.”

Within a year or so the West Coast Rail Trail will run from Greymouth, down the coast and inland to Kumara, then back out to the coast, ending in Hokitika. For now it’s in sections, but there’s a good two to three hour ride that can be done south from Greymouth.

“We’re inviting people to come and meet us in Greymouth on any Sunday during the tournament,” Sebastian says. “We’ll have a tour of the town, then hop on our bikes at the railway station and cycle out. We won’t go too far, and the going is nice and flat with parks and cafes along the way, so we won’t be cycling all the time!

“We do a lot of business on the West Coast, and we want that to grow. This is a great way to introduce potential business partners to this unique part of the country. If you get it on a nice day, it’s just perfect. And even if it’s raining, it’s still a wonderful day out – we have some good wet weather gear!”

Wild West Adventures

Groenz is offering visitors to Wellington a chance to add some sauce to their stay, so they can relish their time in the capital.

“Everyone else will tell you what can’t do – you have to tell yourself what you can do.”

The Wellington-based company creates condiments, primarily for the hospitality market in New Zealand and overseas. The company is 100% New Zealand-owned by the Groen family, who, Fred Groen – Managing Director and former World Champion Barefoot Water Skier-turned-triathlete – says is very keen to meet like-minded visitors from the food industry.

“Like international sport, business is about competing. You’ve got to be in to win. We’re a very competitive family – two of my children currently hold national or world championship barefoot water skiing titles – and we know it takes the same drive to make business work,” says Fred. “Another essential part of growing your business is meeting people from new markets. As an international athlete, you are hosted by people all the time and from that you can make some long-lasting friendships. I hope our visitors will come and see us, meet my family, see how we run our business, and that relationship might lead to business one day.”

For Groenz’s NZ 2011 Business Club hosting event, the company is inviting rugby fans out to its Gracefield factory. After that, there’s a good chance they will be invited up to the family’s Kapiti Coast property, where Fred’s custom-made lake awaits. “It might still be a bit cold, but people are welcome to take a crack at barefoot water skiing if they want,” says Fred. “We’ll crank up a barbeque, and have a few drinks and a chat about business. You don’t know what you don’t know until someone tells you, which is why it’s so valuable meeting people from outside your own country. New Zealand bats above its weight, but constantly undersells itself. We need to start talking about what we’re good at. Everyone else will tell you what you can’t do – only you can tell yourself what you can do. Hosting international rugby fans is a great opportunity to do that.”

The Groen children

NDA Engineering’s Executive Team in Hamilton is inviting international visitors to get up-close and personal with big machinery, before heading off to hit a small ball.

“We want to join other businesses in welcoming rugby fans to Waikato.”

NDA specialises in engineering and fabricating stainless steel vessels and plant with the added capability of refrigeration solutions for many different markets, but in particular dairy and wine-making.

“We value our diverse customers, and our engineering capability ranges from small, intricate process vessels for pharmaceutical clients, to large evaporation vats and milk powder dryers,” says Mark Hopwood, CEO of the Hygiene Division.

“We have a lot of interest in our products from overseas, and through our parent company we have engineering and design capability in Australia, the United States and China. We would welcome rugby fans in Hamilton for the Rugby to come and tour our Te Rapa facility and hear about our business. It’s a great chance to see some very big machinery being fabricated. Then we’ll have a round of golf at a great local course before heading off for a meal.”

Because the company’s clients range across several industries, Mark isn’t too concerned about what business his guests are in. “Sure we’d love to have a visit from any business that is interested in engineering and fabrication, but really, we have a long history in Waikato and this is about joining other businesses in welcoming rugby fans to our region. We are very proud of our company and want to show our like-minded international guests what we can do.”

NDA Engineering

‘Tarnished Frocks and Divas’ is proving that there’s nothing outdated about vintage, and nothing over the hill about being over 40.

“This gives the wives and girlfriends something to do to break up the rugby!”

“The show inspires women to be creative, expressive, imaginative, and have fun!” says Anne Pankhurst, the show’s committee chair. “This is the fourth ‘Tarnished Frocks and Divas’ show, and every show grows in its capacity with a new theme and a heightened edge to it. The first was staged in honour of a friend who had passed on with cancer. She loved the performing arts and belonged to a group of women dancers, one of whom had a passion for collecting vintage clothing. So we devised a show that combined reworked vintage clothing with singing, dancing and acting.”

‘Tarnished Frocks and Divas’ is part fashion show, part performing arts sensation. Most of the performers and crew are volunteers, and everyone who sets foot on stage is female and over 40.

“About 90% of the performers have never been on stage. So this is about them doing something different, and shows they are still fabulous, beautiful women at 40, 50, 60 or older,” says Anne. “We want to celebrate the beauty women have well into their ‘vintage’ years.”

This year the show’s theme is French. “It’s centred in a French Village at the ‘Cafe Alouette’. The fashion is all from the French designers, whose vintage pieces have been taken in hand by our local designers and given a modern twist.”

Anne hopes international rugby fans will be keen to make the trip to Tauranga. “There’s no game here, so we wanted to create an opportunity to attract people here. This gives the wives and girlfriends something to do to break up the rugby. But our audience is far from just women – every show attracts a lot of men too!”

‘Tarnished Frocks and Divas’ runs from 14 – 17 September, and some tickets have been set aside to one of the shows for international Business Club members.

Tarnished Frocks and Divas

Thanks to the REAL New Zealand Festival, there will never be a dull moment in between Tournament matches. Below are just two of the cultural highlights for music and fashion lovers.

“The 'crème de la crème' of traditional and contemporary Māori fashion and design.”

REAL New Zealand Music Showcase
The best of New Zealand music will be on tour during the Rugby World Cup with 50 bands playing in 22 different cities in the REAL New Zealand Music Showcase.

In total, 60 free or very low-priced concerts will be held in towns from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

The live music concerts are supported by the REAL New Zealand Music on Screens project which showcases three hours of New Zealand music video and will be played on big screens at Fanzones throughout the country. More info

Miromoda Fashion Extravaganza
See the 'crème de la crème' of traditional and contemporary Māori fashion and design at the Miromoda Fashion Extravaganza in Wellington.

The event will include a contemporary catwalk show featuring pieces by Māori fashion designers, Māori models and make-up artists alongside vibrant Māori music, art, jewellery and performing arts.

Preceding the Miromoda catwalk show will be a world premiere exhibition of the ten most prized kakahu (traditional Māori ceremonial cloaks) from the Hetet – Te Kanawa collection, which feature works by the late Dame Rangimarie Hetet and her daughter, the late Dr Diggeress Te Kanawa, great granddaughter of French whaler, Loudovious (Louis) Hetet who arrived on New Zealand shores in 1835.

A trade component of the Miromoda Fashion Extravaganza will feature high-end Māori-related product for wholesale and retail trade. Off-site and pre-show soirees will be hosted at several city venues to facilitate an exciting buzz and hype that fashion generates. More info

A model wears a Shona Tawhaio outfit

One of New Zealand's best known wine-making regions is shining a spotlight on its produce at full beam, hosted by Wine Marlborough Ltd at Brancott Vineyard.

“It's a great opportunity to talk to wine producers about what makes our region special.”

Brancott Vineyard will be home to a showcase of Marlborough Wine and Cuisine on October 6, giving visitors a unique opportunity to taste and experience a wide range of local produce from this gorgeous region. Along with stalls selling tastings from the area's food and wine makers, the showcase will feature free cooking demonstrations by fabulous national chefs, including Matt Bouterey, Johnny Schwass, Grant Dicker, Chris Fortune and Rudolf Segers, who will create sensational food and wine combinations.

The ticket price ($55) includes return bus travel to the event from Blenheim, and a tasting glass that is promptly filled up on arrival, after which visitors can wind their way around the vendors. Of course, visual and aural appetites must also be sated, so some of New Zealand's best musical talents will play including Indie Pop songstress Anna Coddington and Blues Guitarist Paul Ubana Jones, as you relax and soak up the stunning beauty of the Marlborough landscape.

"There is so much to experience during this event,” says event manager Andrea Craig. “It’s is a great opportunity to talk to our producers about what they do that makes our region special. But the main thing is to relax, listen to the music, and enjoy the great food and wine on offer." Tickets are limited and can be bought online at www.wine-marlborough.co.nz.

Some other wine events
There are many other wine and food events – free and ticketed – being offered all over the country. To find out what is on, go to the REAL New Zealand Festival website and select "food and wine" and "wine in vineyards" under "type" in the search box on the left of the page. You can also search by region.

Here's a tiny taster of what else is on offer:

Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine – Wairarapa
Be treated to the best very best of Wairarapa's wine and food as you enjoy a meandering journey through New Zealand's aviation history. Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine is presented as a part of the Wairarapa Spring and Rugby Festival – a rich array of arts, sports and entertainment events. More info

Spade Oak Winery – Gisborne
Steve and Eileen Voysey invite you to their Gisborne vineyard for a winery tour and a taste of what makes their wines, and their region, extra special. Please phone +64 6 867 0198, or email voysey@spadeoak.co.nz. This is a NZ 2011 Business Club event – check out the full story

Quartz Reef – Central Otago
Join internationally acclaimed winemaker, Rudi Bauer, for a wine tasting at Quartz Reef winery in Bendigo, Central Otago, after a breath-taking tour of this top wine-growing region. This is an NZ 2011 Business Club event. Please contact Quartz Reef winery if you would like to take part. Phone +64 3 445 3084, or email Elaine@quartzreef.co.nz.

Experience a local wines and gourmet cuisine from one of New Zealand's most stunning regions

Bienvenue, haere mai, welcome – whatever your language, the Te Puna Rugby Club is welcoming you to celebrate its special connection between French and Māori cultures.

“We like to host 'kanohe ki ti kanohe' – it's what we do as Māori anyway.”

"We're the world's one and only French Māori Rugby Club," says Tommy Kaipai Wilson, who's just finished writing Le Whanau, a history of the Bay of Plenty town's connection to France.

"It all started with Emile Joseph Borell and Louis Bidois who came from Honfleur, Normandy, in the 1850s and made their lives in Te Puna. In 1900, their sons built the beautiful St Josephs Church, right next to the rugby club. Many descendents of those two men have and do play rugby for Te Puna, including David Borell, my grandfather, who was one of only two players to have turned down an All Blacks call-up," says Tommy.

Anyone in the area during the tournament – French or not – are invited to learn about the area's French history, and experience Māori culture.

"We like to host 'kanohe ki ti kanohe' or 'face to face'," says Tommy. "This is what we do as Māori on the marae anyway – we meet, greet, entertain and farewell people. We will be open to visitors throughout the Tournament, but on September 25 we have a special day planned. There will be songs of welcome for our visitors, children will perform kapahaka, and a kaumatua (elder) will give talks on the history on the club and the area. We will also take our visitors on a tour of the marae and the wonderful visual treasures of the tukutuku and carvings inside the meetinghouse."

Tommy says he's hoping to host visitors from far and wide. "Most of our people won't make it to the Tournament, so we are making the Tournament come to us! We want people from France and other countries to know we're here. Already we are expecting 25 French forest owners and managers from Aquitaine, and I've had several other inquiries, so we are well on our way!"

Tutereinga Marae

New Zealand's fashion designers are gearing up to show their wearable wears, offering catwalk shows to the public, and private styling sessions to fashion seekers.

“We want to show that New Zealand designers can offer something really different and creative.”

"Many of the men coming for the rugby might not be into fashion, but their wives and girlfriends probably are," says New Zealand Fashion Week director Myken Stewart. "While many of our designers already have a significant international following, we want to make it easy for visitors to find out about New Zealand fashion.”

To that end, international visitors with an eye for fashion have at least two options offered through the NZ 2011 Business Club. For two days during the Tournament, new venue 'The Cloud' on Auckland’s waterfront will rock to the sounds and sights of The New Zealand Fashion Showcase – a 40-minute catwalk show, run three times a day.

"The New Zealand Fashion Showcase will have all the music, glitz and glamour of a full fashion show," says Myken. "It will feature highlights from the new collections of our Fashion Week designers, as well as in-season garments to encourage people to go shopping. The shows are open invitation, so it’s a great way for our designers to reach a wider audience."

Myken can also help if visitors want to do some serious shopping. "Over the Tournament, we are inviting fashion seekers into the workrooms of our top designers. They're welcome to spend some time with the designers, try on clothes, soak up styling advice, and hopefully walk out having bought a fabulous new wardrobe.

"We want to show them that New Zealand designers can offer something really different and creative. We want them to return home wearing their new garments, and have their friends admire them and ask where they came from. That’s instant international exposure for our designers."

And Myken is advising fashion-seekers to arrive in New Zealand early to experience NZ Fashion Week, this year running just before the Tournament begins. "Our invitation to meet our key designers is also open then,” she says. “This year we are more prepared than ever to give our visitors the VIP treatment."

New Zealand Fashion Week

Mountain man Alan Hooker wants to show his Business Club guests the best of Taranaki – or at least as much as they can manage.

“Walking through the bush is a nice way to see our province in a new light.”

Alan Hooker, a director at ITL, an engineering company that provides a range of services to the oil and gas industry, has been tramping up, down and around Mt Taranaki for years. His plan to take visitors into the bush is the epitome of hosting by doing something you love.

"Getting out of town and walking through the bush is a nice way for visitors to see our province in a light that has nothing to do with rugby or business. Many people come to New Plymouth and don’t get near the mountain. This is a great way for visitors to see what makes Taranaki so special."

Alan says what they do on the walks, and how many walks he guides, will depend very much on demand, and how fit his guests are.

"We have three options. They are to walk to the Curtis Falls, and beyond if we're still keen, to the Dawson Falls, or to Pouakai Peak. We could go for just a half day, or a full day – that'll include lunch! We'll also rustle up wet-weather gear if we need it."

Alan says even seasoned trampers will see something new on Mt Taranaki. "The forest on the side of Mt Taranaki is lush fern bush, which is unusual. We'll also be walking on a dormant volcano, so that makes the landscape very different to what people might have experienced. The mountain never disappoints me – there’s always something different to see."

If the thought of tramping on a volcano makes guests nervous, one thing Alan says they are unlikely to see is volcanic activity. "Don't worry, this area hasn't been active since around 1755," he says. Even if there was, as Alan is a former member of the area's Search and Rescue Team, his guests couldn't be in safer hands.

Mt Taranki, mid-winter

New Zealand’s position as a dairy superpower is certain to be strengthened as Milfos shows international Business Club members the very latest in milking technology.

“We’re spending the day being tour guides, not sales people. ”

The Hamilton-based company develops and manufactures milking equipment, including rotary and herringbone milking parlours, using cutting-edge electronic and interactive technology. “We are putting on a day for anyone who’s interested in dairying or technological innovation,” says Julie Mikkelson from Milfos. “We’re planning it for September 28, when people from our main markets – Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa – don’t have games and are likely to be passing through Hamilton.”

Julie says the day will start at the Milfos’ purpose-built factory. “We have engineering, manufacturing and electronic divisions, so there’s a lot to see here. Then, after morning tea, we’ll bus over to tour the Gallagher’s factory – they’re another big Waikato company that’s gone worldwide, and who we work with. From there, we’ll have lunch at the stunning Vilagrad Winery in Ohaupo. This family-owned vineyard has been producing wine since 1922 and is a local institution,” she says.

“Finally we’ll go to the AgResearch farm at Tokonui. This is a flagship farm for us in that it has the very latest of our milking parlours, with all the bells and whistles. It’s the best place to see our latest innovations.”

Julie says the day is designed to show off the region as much as the company. “Although we hope it will build brand awareness, as we’re a growing company internationally, really we’re spending the day being tour guides, not sales people. We love rugby and we love New Zealand, and this day puts the two together.

“Having said that, the rugby fans who come with us will see some very sophisticated technologies that are sure to blow them away as much as our gorgeous Waikato landscape will!”

Aviation enthusiasts are invited to spot planes up close at New Zealand’s busiest airfield, Ardmore Airport in Papakura, South Auckland.

“This is a great opportunity for our visitors to discover our aviation industry ”

“There’s a really strong plane spotting community around the world, and they don’t get many chances to get up close to aeroplanes,” says Trevor Willcock, the CEO of Ardmore Airport Ltd. “We are the busiest airport in New Zealand by aircraft movement. We have around 200,000 aircraft movements a year, with six large flying schools and over a hundred businesses involved with fixing, restoring and selling aircraft. We are also home to the New Zealand Warbirds Association, so there’s a lot to see here!”

The airport is planning to open up some of its facilities for a few hours one evening during the Tournament so visiting Business Club members can come along, see some aircraft, have a drink and a bite to eat, and chat to people who are just as passionate about flying as them.

We’ll open up our bar and café, and park up maybe 20 aircraft on the grass area outside,” says Trevor. “We’ll have aircraft from World War II up to the modern day. These will probably include a Harvard or two, a Mosquito, a Strikemaster Jet and Albatross Jet, and more. Depending on demand, some of our guests may be able to go for a test flight, but unfortunately that can’t be free. Aviation enthusiasts will understand the cost of flying these things!”

Trevor says there will also be plenty of people around for the visitors to talk to. “About 500 people work here at Ardmore Airport, and they cover a wide range of occupations and passions. This is a great opportunity for our visitors to discover our aviation industry, but it’s also a wonderful chance for our people to make connections with others in the industry from around the world.”

Ardmore Airport

The first rule of Kiwi wine making is there are no real rules – something a Gisborne wine-making couple believe visiting wine enthusiasts will find surprising.

“We’ll go back to our tasting room, sit under our cork oak tree and taste the results. ”

Eileen and Steve Voysey are opening up their gorgeous 16 hectare vineyard to show international NZ 2011 Business Club members around their patch of viticulture heaven. Their Spade Oak Wines vineyard is in Gisborne’s Central Valley region, where clay soils and hot temperatures produce stunning wines.

Eileen says she and Steve have tripped around European wineries a-plenty, and have learned a lot about how you make wine in each area. But she says the beauty of New Zealand’s young wine industry is that it’s not bound by tradition. “There’s certainly merit in tradition,” she says. “But we don’t have to do things a certain way because that’s the way it’s always been done.

“We can look at winemaking with fresh eyes and think about it from a fresh perspective. For example, we are growing varieties of wine that aren’t commonly grown here, such as Marsanne, St Laurent, Grüner Veltliner, and Albarino. We can do this without sacrificing our other varieties because we’ve narrow planted. That means our vine rows are only 1.5 metres apart, not the traditional three metres. Also, we’re experimenting with shredded paper mulch. We love trying with new things and seeing what happens.”

Eileen says they plan to host rugby fans by taking them on a tour of their vineyard, sharing their methods and the reasons behind them. “Then we’ll go back to our tasting room, sit under our cork oak tree and taste the results. Whether they’re wine growers, restaurateurs or simply wine enthusiasts, it’ll be interesting to get their feedback on how what they’ve seen here compares to what they know.

“Gisborne has a lot going for it, especially as a wine destination – we want to give rugby fans another reason to come here.”

Spade Oak sunset

The REAL New Zealand Festival programme continues to grow and, with over 800 events currently listed, there are activities to engage and entertain at every turn. If you’re in the marvellous Maniototo or Central Otago regions, for instance, there’s entertainment to suit every taste.

“Activities to engage and entertain at every turn. ”

Maniototo Three-Day Curling Festival
Join in a celebration of one of Central Otago's oldest and most iconic winter sports — curling, in the historic town of Naseby. A fun, three-day family event with lots of 'cool' activities to try.
The festival will include the Maniototo Curling International Cashspiel Skins Curling Tournament. A chance to watch some top-level competitive curlers showing their skills on the ice, then, have a go! Curling is for everyone. Find out more

Maniototo Museum: Sporting Heroes Exhibition
Sport – particularly Rugby – has played a strong role in the Maniototo community and over the years the Maniototo has produced a number of top class sportspeople including All Blacks Wayne Graham, James Kearney, Antony Kreft, Ian Smith, William Meates and Andrew Hore. The Maniototo Museum's Sporting Heroes Exhibition honours these great locals. Find out more

Jazz’n’Jocks – A Quintessential Central Otago Tour
This two-day Central Otago festival features events ranging from a jazz soiree with local musicians and special guest Jud Arthur (ex-Otago Rugby player turned opera singer), historic art deco, fine wines and great local produce to fun with curling and Rugby. A gala event will include a market and the best of local food and wine, as well as a special rugby match featuring ex-Highlanders, ex-Crusaders and locals. Take in local attractions including the famous Cromwell Gorge and the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere. Find out more

"Our visitors will get a real family experience – a day on the farm, bush bashing and having fun with a Kiwi family,” says Amy Whetu.

“We’re all entrepreneurial, and we love meeting like-minded people. ”

Amy and her sister Becky Sharman are the owners of Zee Zee Merino Clothing, which they set up after noticing that few merino clothing companies made woollen clothes for older children, and tended to concentrate on babies’ clothes. “So we started doing kids’ clothes, but the demand was such that we are now manufacturing for babies too. Merino wool is such a fantastic fibre for kids’ clothes,” says Amy.

Now, Amy and Becky are inviting international Business Club members to come for a day to where their passion for wool began – their parents’ farm in Matamata, Waikato. “We want to take rugby fans out on the farm and up into the bush for what we Kiwis know as a ‘bush bash’. There’s a marvellous view from the top of a hill on the farm – you can see right across the Waikato Basin to the Kaimai Ranges.

“And Lord of the Rings fans might be interested to know that Hobbiton is just on the other side of that hill!”

The bush bash will be followed by a hearty farmhouse lunch, “or a traditional Māori hāngī depending on numbers,” says Amy. After that, who knows? “My husband James plays the guitar and I sing, so really, anything could happen,” she says.

“My whole family loves talking, and we love talking about business. We’re all entrepreneurial, and we love meeting like-minded people. Maybe our guests will be people who can contribute to our business with finance or brain power or contacts, or maybe not. But for us the main thing is to offer visitors a true family experience – how many tourists get that?”

Amy and Becky’s parent’s farm, Matamata

A Gisborne woman is walking the talk and inviting international rugby fans and Business Club members to a day of history, Māori culture and music.

“Experience authentic Māori culture as a pivotal part of New Zealand’s history is remembered. ”

“I’d like to take four people with me to the Te Ūnga Mai festival on October 8,” says Shona Munro. “It’s a great chance to experience authentic Māori culture as a pivotal part of New Zealand’s history is remembered – Captain James Cook’s first New Zealand landing, and Europeans’ first interactions with Māori.”

Te Ūnga Mai starts at sunrise with a pōwhiri (welcome) on Gisborne’s Kaiti Beach, followed by an interfaith service, kapa haka performances and waka racing. “After the morning’s ceremony, I’ll take my guests to breakfast,” says Shona. “Then we can meet again in the afternoon for the music festival, featuring some great Kiwi music. We can finish the day by watching the quarter final on the big screen in the festival area.”

Shona is the Regional Coordinator for Rugby World Cup 2011, and the Manager of Community and Economic Development for Gisborne District Council, but she’s hosting on her own behalf.

“The NZ 2011 Business Club gives Gisborne people the opportunity to connect with people they wouldn’t otherwise meet; and that includes me, so I thought I’d do something to lead from the front!

“Gisborne doesn’t host a game so we need to do as much as we can to attract people who will be filling in time between games or after the final.”

“Also, I wanted to show that hosting doesn’t have to be big and expensive. This day will possibly only cost me a breakfast, but if I get to host someone who’s in the same line as me and can give me some ideas on how to grow and develop my community, it’ll be a tiny price to pay!”

Captain Cook statue, Poverty Bay

A Dunedin businessman wants to take international visitors from valley low to mountain high – and the reassuring thing is they will never get lost.

“We want to show visitors a bit of New Zealand they wouldn’t normally see.”

Colin Brown runs TracMap, which produces GPS guidance and reporting systems for vehicles that operate in the agriculture, horticulture, forestry, search and rescue industries, and many others. As a man who loves the great outdoors, Colin is inviting international NZ 2011 Business Club members to experience New Zealand off the beaten track.

“We want to show visitors a bit of New Zealand they wouldn’t normally see. It’s all a bit weather dependent, but our plan is to start the day taking my jet boat onto Otago’s Taieri River. Then we’ll pile into 4WDs and head out into the back blocks, probably up into the Rock and Pillar Ranges, seeing places where they filmed Lord of the Rings.

“We’ll finish off the day having some local Speight’s beer and a BBQ. That’ll give us a chance to have a talk about what TracMap does and how one of our systems might help them.”

Of course, the visitors will have had ample opportunity to see the guidance systems in action, as a unit will be mounted on the dashboard of the 4WDs. “We got the idea to do this because recently our Rotary Club hosted a group of New South Wales dairy farmers. To keep them occupied we took them out jet boating and four wheel driving. They got to see the units working, and from that one afternoon we sold 15 or so units,” Colin says.

“We know that if our guests operate in the industries we target, TracMap can improve their productivity by about 15 or 20%. Then they can go home saying, ‘Not only did I have a great time in New Zealand, but I was also able to improve my productivity and save myself money.’ What a great outcome!”

TracMap jet boating

New Zealand’s oldest rugby club is preparing to recreate history, and is offering fans a retrospective of the game that ignited our rugby passion.

“Nelson is where rugby started in New Zealand – the first ever proper game was played here. ”

“Nelson is where rugby started in New Zealand – the first ever proper game was played here,” says Kent Inglis, a Nelson Rugby Football Club (NRFC) committee member.

“As the oldest rugby club in New Zealand we have a responsibility to pull out all the stops to support the games being hosted in Nelson. We’ve got about 20 events planned, but the main Business Club event is our reenactment of that inaugural game, played way back in 1870.”

Just like that game, on 20 September 2011, the two teams will be NRFC and Nelson College, and will be played at the Botanical Reserve, the original site. In keeping, the players will be clad in old-style jerseys, knickerbockers and work boots, and following the old, long-forgotten rules. “We’ve been delving into the history books trying to work out exactly what they were. It’ll make for an interesting game!” says Kent.

The day will start with a breakfast at NRFC’s clubrooms. After that, Nelson College’s 1000-plus boys will parade to Botanic, pausing to perform a spine-tingling haka below Nelson’s Christ Church Cathedral. After the game it’ll be back to the NRFC Clubrooms for more festivities and to watch Italy v Russia live on the big screen or, for the lucky ones, to go to the match at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

“We think our international Business Club members will appreciate the taste of history,” says Kent. “We want to show visitors it’s worth making the effort to come to Nelson, especially as, after picking up an Australian game, we’re now expecting up to 8000 Aussies on top of 5000 other visitors.”

And while every effort is being made to keep the reenactment as historical as possible, that won’t apply to the scoreboard. “The Club won that first game two goals to nil, but whoever wins on the day wins. Some things in rugby must remain sacred!”

A rugby team from 1870 (Photo credit: The Nelson Provincial Museum)

Former All Black Sir Colin ‘Pine Tree’ Meads is just one of the rugby legends you could find yourself planting a tree with as part of The Great Living Legends Muck-In.

“17 native tree planting events throughout New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011. ”

Living Legends is a community conservation project that’s part of the REAL New Zealand Festival – a nationwide celebration of New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

Living Legends is managing 17 native tree planting events throughout New Zealand during RWC 2011, and would love overseas visitors and locals to join them in supporting and enjoying New Zealand’s natural heritage.

The plantings all take place on public conservation land, and offer locals and overseas visitors access to some parts of New Zealand that are not otherwise open to the public.

As a rugby fan, it’s a chance to get out and plant some trees with a New Zealand rugby great, such as Bryan ‘B.G.’ Williams or Tane Norton. And, if you’re a tree lover, you get the opportunity to leave behind a living legacy of your rugby trip to New Zealand.

The Great Living Legends Muck-In plantings are happening right throughout New Zealand during RWC 2011, celebrating our treasured environment and our beloved game. You’re welcome to take part.

“Our business is about kaitiakitanga; it’s about custodianship of the land and sea. We want to share that with our international visitors,” says Wakatu’s Viv Williams.

“Our business is about custodianship of the land and sea - we want to share that. ”

The Nelson-based Māori-owned business is inviting international NZ 2011 Business Club members to experience Māori culture first-hand, far away from any tourist trappings, and see how the company has woven Māori culture, or tikanga, into its business practices.

Wakatu was formed in 1977 to administer lands around Nelson that had been returned to the four local Māori tribes. The company’s shareholders are exclusively made up of the tribes’ descendants, who now hold assets valued at around $242 million. But the real value, says Viv, the company’s marketing manager, are the principles by which the company operates.

“We are a business of the land and sea. We make wine, farm mussels, grow apples, pears, hops and much more. Through the principles of kaitiaki, pono (integrity), aroha (commitment), manaaki (care), innovation and communication, we seek to build the most sustainable company for our Māori owners and their descendants.”

As an export company, Wakatu sees the NZ 2011 Business Club as a great way to meet like-minded people from overseas. The company has listed three hosting events for visitors, timed around the three Nelson games.

“We will give our manuhiri, or guests, a true Māori experience,” Viv says. “At Wakatu House, they will be welcomed in the traditional Māori manner, complete with karanga and waiata. That will be followed by a BBQ featuring the best of our produce. Our senior staff, board members and their families will host – in fact, some will be performing!”

Also – weather permitting – Wakatu will take two groups of people on a revamped fishing boat to the start of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. “This area includes our ancestral lands, and we are delighted to show its natural wonders off to visitors who, we hope, have something they can teach us.”

Wakatu

Trevor Weir loves talking rugby with his passengers - even if they don’t agree with him on who should win the rugby Tournament.

“This is a way to meet other rugby-mad people and hopefully forge some lasting friendships.”

The rugby enthusiast and owner of Rotorua Duck Tours is so happy to talk rugby, he’s offering up a free spot each day during the Tournament to an international NZ 2011 Business Club member. Trevor’s amphibious vehicles are a common sight around Rotorua, slipping effortlessly from city streets to lake water, as tourists take in the charms of the area.

“This is a way to meet other rugby-mad people and hopefully forge some lasting friendships,” says Trevor. “I’ve been watching and playing rugby since I was four, and the majority of my friends come from rugby. I really like the people I meet through the game.”

Trevor hosted some Lions followers during the last Lions Tours, so thought he’d recreate the experience as part of the NZ 2011 Business Club. “We had such a good time going out on the lake, taking in the scenery, discussing the history, and having a great debate about rugby. I had such a lot of fun that I thought I’d try it again.

“Whoever comes out on one of my tours will enjoy a unique experience, in a unique vehicle, in a unique part of the world. After we’ve visited the sights on the lake and in the town, we’ll more than likely end up with a cold beer in our hands to finish off the day.”

Trevor says the main motivator for his hosted event was to meet interesting people. “However, a huge percentage of our business comes from word of mouth, so they may tell their friends. But really, I wanted to show Kiwi hospitality so they can go away saying, ‘New Zealand is a fantastic country; the people are friendly and we want to go back there sometime.’ ”

The Duck

“Most travellers want to know what life is really like for the locals - that’s what I want to show our visitors,” says Joanne Ruscoe.

“Home hosting is a winner... taking someone into your home shows trust. ”

That’s why this public relations expert, passionate Kapiti Coast resident and NZ 2011 Business Club member is inviting international NZ 2011 Business Club members to come to her patch and get to know ‘her’ New Zealand.

“I want five to ten groups of visitors, two at a time, to come up here for a day on the Kapiti Coast. After taking the train up from Wellington to Waikanae, my husband and I will meet them and take them golfing, and/or sight-seeing around our gorgeous coast, shopping, eating, and walking on the beach.

“Then, we’ll come back to our place and I’ll prepare dinner using the best food and wine from the region and nearby – lamb, of course, and Kapiti Cheeses, followed by traditional pavlova. Depending on who our guests are, I’ll also invite one of my clients or business connections if I think they and my guests might benefit from meeting each other. I want to show our visitors that it’s easy and interesting to do business in New Zealand and with New Zealanders.”

Joanne runs Ruscoe Public Relations and knows the value of creating new and potentially valuable business connections. And home hosting, she says, gives great value for very little outlay.

“This is something everyone can do. You don’t have to go to the expense of putting on a party for a crowd of people you probably won’t have time to talk to. Home-hosting is a winner not only because you can really get to know someone, but also because taking someone into your home shows trust, and that’s essential in building a business relationship.”

Joanne Ruscoe and husband Tim Rogerson, Kapiti Coast

International and local experts will share the lessons learned from top sporting achievements at a panel discussion hosted by The University of Auckland Business School.

“Many of the most valuable lessons in international business success come from the world of sport ”

“Many of the most valuable lessons on international business success come from the world of sport, a huge business in its own right,” says The University of Auckland Business School’s Associate Director of Donor Stewardship Amanda Stanes. The seminar, to be held at the University on October 18, is open to NZ 2011 Business Club members and alumni, and brings together superstars of sporting success – either on the field, or as the power behind the players.

They are:

Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Worldwide, and Business School Honorary Professor of Innovation and Creativity, Kevin Roberts
Former All Black and business adviser, Murray Mexted
Neuroscientist and author of The Winners’ Bible, Dr Kerry Spackman
Former captain of the three-time world champions Black Ferns and authority on Maori and gender issues in sport, Dr Farah Palmer
Stanford Graduate School of Business and a specialist in high-growth global companies and sports organisations, Professor George Foster.

“Each will give a presentation, followed by a panel discussion on what’s needed for New Zealand companies to become world champions,” says Amanda. “New Zealand needs to move from being a global player to a global leader. Business has a lot it can learn from sport, which is why our Dean, Professor Greg Whittred, has concentrated on activities that complement rugby.”

Also to complement the rugby, the University’s Sport & Recreation Department is hosting an interfaculty rugby game that pits four faculties against each other to win the Sir Wilson Whineray Trophy. “The interfaculty game is always a great afternoon out and promises some great entertainment for our international visitors as well as a chance to spot up-and-coming talent. After all, university level rugby is where many of our past and present All Blacks got their start.”

Interfaculty rugby game

The REAL New Zealand Festival offers more hosting opportunities than you could shake a stick at and, with events being added month by month, there’s plenty to entertain you and your guests.

“A meandering journey through aviation history. ”

Two Festival events with very distinctive themes at opposite ends of the North Island are FOLA – Festival of Light and Art in Northland and Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine.

FOLA runs from 14 – 18 September, and is a community event for Northland and visitors to Northland held over five evenings. The festival will feature a range of illuminated activities and there’s something for everyone. Light sculptures, ‘art in the dark’, an illuminating fashion parade, music, theatre, circus, performing arts, the iconic Whāngārei lantern parade and much, much more.

At Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine visitors can enjoy a meandering journey through aviation history, including one of the world's largest privately owned collections of World War One aircraft, while being treated to the very best of Wairarapa wine and food.

Ten food and wine matched sites are placed throughout three themed aircraft hangers. You can sample, at your leisure, a selection of the region's finest wines and local produce, prepared by internationally-recognised chefs, as you wander among some of the world's rarest vintage aircraft. The event is being held on 7 & 10 October – that is, on either side of the two Quarter Final matches being held in Wellington on 8 & 9 October.

Wairarapa Wings and Wine

Wellington will witness a reunion between two of the world’s rugby greats – great rugby foes and great friends – as Jonah Lomu and Francois Pienaar match up at a lunch hosted by Grow Wellington.

“There will be a huge buzz in Wellington at this time, creating an unmissable business opportunity. ”

“Jonah Lomu – rugby’s first global superstar and a New Zealand rugby legend – and Francois Pienaar – a South African rugby legend – were both feared and are now revered world-wide,” says Grow Wellington’s CEO Nigel Kirkpatrick. Grow Wellington is the regional economic development agency working to support export-oriented Wellington businesses.

“As a NZ 2011 Business Club event, we are going to host a lunch for approximately 100 invited international guests, with Jonah and Francois as the star attractions. They’re good mates now, and this lunch will give them a chance to share their stories about rugby with a rugby-mad crowd. And yes, we will probably hear a lot about that fateful day in 1995 when the South African team sidestepped Lomu and 14 other All Blacks to win the trophy!” (Francois Pienaar, of course, was the Captain of the 1995 trophy-winning Springbok team.)

Nigel says the guests for the October 6 lunch will be selected from the Business Club’s international member list, with nine sitting at each table, along with a Wellington businessperson who can represent the priority sectors.

“While rugby is the main course, it will have a liberal seasoning of business to promote Wellington’s priority sectors,” he says. “We want the local person at each table – such as the Restaurant Association’s Mike Egan, Park Road Post’s Cameron Harland, and Formway Design’s Mark Pennington – to talk about the vibrancy of their sectors and what Wellington can offer from a business perspective.”

However, Nigel says the lunch is about fun first and foremost. “This lunch will be just before the quarter final played in Wellington, so there will be a huge buzz in the Capital. This is an unmissable opportunity to show some special international business people what a wonderful and industrious corner of the world we are.”

Jonah Lomu and Francois Pienaar

Auckland freight-forwarding and customs-broking company Cunningham Gill is using its logistical nightmare solving skills to lay on a dream day for Rugby visitors.

“We want people to come to a good old-fashioned Kiwi BBQ. ”

The company’s owners (and NZ 2011 Business Club members), Jan McCallum and Jan Dupker, will host an event at Jan McCallum’s incredible property near Clevedon, Auckland. “We want to bring around 30 people to Jan’s place, feed them up on her husband’s delicious, world-famous, organic Clevedon oysters, let them swim in the pool, play tennis, go target shooting – or do nothing,” says Cunningham Gill’s Special Projects Manager Peter Manderson. “Basically, we want people to come to a good old-fashioned Kiwi BBQ, have a drink and something to eat, relax and have a good time.

“We want to host people who may be looking for opportunities in New Zealand, or may be unhappy with the freight service they’re getting. We don’t want to bombard people, but certainly we’d like to give them a taste of how we might help them in the future.”

And Peter says Cunningham Gill is uniquely placed to help companies with their importing or exporting. As a 100% New Zealand-owned, owner-operated business – unusual in an industry dominated by multi-nationals – the company uses its size, longevity and connections to its advantage.

“Freight-wise, New Zealand is a tricky country. With 27 years of doing business here, we know how to solve any problem, anywhere. And because we are small our clients know their accounts really matter to us, so we will devote the time, care and attention to their jobs.

“Of course, you could go to a bar and meet visiting business people, but the best way to talk about your business is to host them. We want people here for the Tournament to go away feeling like they’ve been part of our culture. We know making a great impression is one of the first rules in business.”

Jan McCallum’s Clevedon property

International visitors are being offered a taste of our great outdoors, all from the seat of a mountain bike.

“Mountain biking is the new golf! ”

Jeremy Christmas, Director of the School of Forestry and Primary Industries at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua, and NZ 2011 Business Club member, is planning to take people visiting for the Rugby on a mountain bike tour of the area’s incredible Whakarewarewa Forest. The ride will be followed by refreshments and a campus tour.

“Whakarewarewa Forest, just on the outskirts of Rotorua City, is such an amazing resource – and biking in it is free,” he says, so it was easy to decide how he wanted to host. “I just thought about what I thought was fun, and what I do most days anyway.

“I love riding through the forest, and I’m so proud of the area. I thought if I was overseas and someone said, ‘Hey, I’ll take you for a ride’, I’d be delighted. Mountain biking is the new golf! This is a great opportunity to show visitors our beautiful forests in a different way.”

“Having a chat while you’re out for a ride is a neat way of communicating. I don’t have high expectations this hosting event will lead to ongoing business, but for me, this was about being a great Kiwi host, rather than looking for business. But if we get people who have an interest in forestry, timber processing, and/or education, you never know what can happen.”

Jeremy says all levels of riding ability are catered for in the forest park, so less experienced riders don’t need to worry. “Depending on numbers, we will split the group up. This is such a simple way to host visitors while still giving them a great time. It’s going to be a wonderful morning out, with lots of fresh air, good fun and amazing scenery.”

Jeremy Christmas

Wherever you are in the country and whatever your interests – the REAL New Zealand Festival has something to tickle your fancy (and that of your guests!)

“From north and south, come festivals of art and rugby ”

We all know what ardent supporters of rugby Cantabrians are and, while Christchurch may not be holding any Tournament matches, the city is still a big drawcard for rugby fans and visitors alike. There are lots of REAL New Zealand Festival events in this heartland rugby region that celebrate the passion, strength and character of its people, and none more so than the Christchurch Arts Festival.

As a showcase of the best theatre, dance and music from all over the country and beyond, the Christchurch Arts Festival presents a rich, diverse and bold programme of arts and cultural events – plenty to impress and entertain you and your international guests. Find out more

Rotorua’s a hive of rugby and REAL New Zealand Festival activity for North Islanders and those travelling around between matches. The Tribal Rugby Festival provides plenty of opportunity for you and your visitors to take part in some exciting (and novel) experiences. The Festival is three days of entertainment, food and wine, friendly competition and some unforgettable rugby, where everyone can participate in activities including Waka Warrior Canoe Races on Lake Rotorua, the International Fan Tug o’ War, the best international version of the Haka and the Team Anthem Singing Competition. Find out more

Christchurch Arts Festival

Mike Egan has been in the business of giving people a good time for nigh on three decades. And now, as an enthusiastic NZ 2011 Business Club member, he's encouraging other business people to extend their hands in welcome too.

“Hosting is an excellent way of showing off your business and what you do.”

Over the years, this Wellington restaurateur has pretty much lost count of how many food and service ventures he's been involved in, but today he's whittled his interests down to four; Monsoon Poon (with another Monsoon Poon in Auckland), the Boulcott Street Bistro, and Osteria del Toro.

“When I was starting out, there were so few restaurants in New Zealand,” says Mike. “It was such an exciting time to be at the forefront of bringing great food and great service to New Zealand.”

Mike says every proprietor can learn new tricks. The best way to pick those up is from others in the trade, which is why he joined the NZ 2011 Business Club.

“Each year I go to the European Food Service Summit, which is similar to the Business Club in that the aim is to facilitate people in the food industry meeting each other, talking and swapping ideas.”

Mike says one advantage of hooking up with other restaurant owners is seeing how they operate. That's why he decided to host events for restaurant and bar owners coming to New Zealand for the rugby.

“I'm planning maybe half a dozen behind-the-scenes restaurant tours in Auckland and Wellington. I'm also planning a street BBQ somewhere in Wellington to showcase New Zealand's fantastic food and wine.”

Mike says that hosting is an excellent way of showing off what you do, and making business connections you wouldn't otherwise make. “And, who knows? You may be able to work together in the future.”

Mike Egan and friends

When it comes to bringing a warm Pacific welcome to the task of hosting visitors during the Tournament in 2011, Bryan Williams believes in keeping things simple – a philosophy he may well carry over from his current role as Director of the Ponsonby Rugby Club to his soon-to-be-announced role as President of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

“We want to provide a good, genuine Kiwi rugby experience.”

“We don’t want to over-complicate things, we want to provide a good, genuine Kiwi rugby experience – the opportunity to play some games, and enjoy the fellowship afterwards.”

In fact, the former All Black great is keenly anticipating an atmosphere of cultural exchange through song and dance at the clubrooms during the Tournament.

“With a big Polynesian population, we’re wanting to offer our visitors that ethnic experience as well. We might have quizzes, sing-a-longs – lots of our members play the guitar and enjoy a good sing song.”

Bryan knows the value of making connections through rugby, and believes the Ponsonby Club’s membership of the NZ 2011 Business Club offers an invaluable opportunity for rugby-loving business people to link up.

“We can see that the rugby atmosphere is a real catalyst for people to come together and enjoy fellowship, but explore other avenues that enhance their businesses.”

Business Club members can take their international guests to watch the passionate Tongan and Samoan teams train on the Club ground, and to the clubrooms to soak up the history, hear the inside stories and socialise with the locals.

Another key attraction for visitors to the Ponsonby Rugby Club will be the impressive array of rugby memorabilia on show during the Tournament – including George Nicholson’s All Black jersey from the “Originals” 1905 Tour, and Captain Dave Gallaher’s medal collection and cap.

“We want to create a really welcoming environment for visitors to come and enjoy the New Zealand rugby club atmosphere.”

Bryan Williams

If the exuberance of its CEO, Dot Kettle, is anything to go by, the Nelson Chamber of Commerce will be fair bursting with networking opportunities come tournament time.

“It's an opportunity not to be missed.”

Hosting is second nature to the Chamber, and Dot is a fierce advocate of the NZ 2011 Business Club.

“The Business Club, in my mind, is about encouraging people to be proactive about making international business connections. It’s an opportunity not to be missed,” says Dot.

One hosting event that will enable international business connections is “A Day in the Moutere” which involves the Mayor of Tasman taking special visitors up Moutere Valley and popping in on some of the region’s best artisans and food and wine producers along the way. Those on the tour can expect to see a knife-maker, an olive grower, a winemaker, a potter and a cheese-maker at work, and will end the day in perfect style, with a delicious dinner at one of the region’s top restaurants.

The region will demonstrate its innovation with “From the Forest to the Floor”, where guests can follow the journey of a tree from its forest origins, through to its end use in world-first wooden building construction.

Other Business Club hosting events the Chamber is organising include the ‘Long Lunch’ (al fresco dining running the length of Nelson’s main street), and two networking functions the night before each of the Italy v Russia and Italy v USA pool games.

For those visitors who like to be a bit more spontaneous, the Chamber is running a ‘Business Connect’ programme, where they will quickly link up visitors with local business people who are happy to show them around.

“To actually have the opportunity to meet in person, and share ideas and hear what else is happening around the globe, will open doors and, hopefully, open up new markets as well.”

Long lunch, Nelson 2009

When it comes to cuisine, New Zealand boasts some of the best in the world. As a Business Club member, why not host an event where guests can sample some of our lovely local delicacies?

“Culinary experiences that promise to leave your guests well fed and watered”

If you’re looking for Business Club hosting opportunities and want to offer Kiwi cuisine experiences, you need look no further than the REAL New Zealand Festival for inspiration. The Festival events will offer uniquely New Zealand culinary experiences that promise to leave your guests well fed and watered – and more knowledgeable about New Zealand’s food and beverage sector.

Savour Bluff Oysters
Bluff Oysters from Southland are widely regarded as the very best on the planet, and this year they’ll be available especially for visitors here for the Rugby. A portion of the main winter season’s quota will be harvested and then put into growing tanks to feed up ready for our rugby visitors in spring. Southland will be the only place you can get them fresh during the tournament. Find out more.

Business Club hosts in the region should grab this Festival event as an opportunity to expose international visitors to one of the great industries of the region!

The Great West Coast Whitebait Challenge
The West Coast is whitebait territory and will offer visitors the challenge (and the pleasure) of becoming world-famous whitebait judges.

Throughout the Tournament, and from the top to the bottom of the Coast, restaurants and eateries will be presenting special menus in The Great West Coast Whitebait Challenge. A true mix of gastronomy and adventure makes this a great way to host your Business Club guests. Find out more.

If you’re hosting Business Club guests consider using the existing REAL New Zealand Festival events as compelling opportunities to show off what we’re best at.

West Coast whitebait

How about adding a rugby-inspired night of comedy or a one-man-play telling one of New Zealand's greatest rugby stories, to the stable of hosting options for your international guests?

“Using a Festival event is a great way to host international visitors.”

Hosting is your key, as a New Zealand business, to getting involved in Rugby World Cup 2011. We all know that some of the most fruitful business relationships come from getting together in a relaxed and casual environment, and your hosting event can offer just that.

And remember, it can be as low-key as taking someone to your local pub, as lavish as taking a group to the orchestra, or somewhere in between, as with the events below.

Rugby Comedy Festival
The Rugby Comedy Festival in Auckland on Saturday 22 October (that's the night before the final RWC 2011 game), promises a night of hilarity hosted by the clever and sports-mad Oscar Kightly, and featuring funny men of footie from near and far, including Scotsman Ian Robertson, Australia's Vince Sorrenti and ex-All Black Eric Rush.

Find out more

I George Nepia. Photo credit: NZ rugby Museum

An outdoor enthusiast in the beautiful King Country region is willing to show international visitors around the region while they're here for the RWC. But there's nothing urban about this experience.

“We love this event because it captures New Zealand natural environment.”

This hosting event is targeted at international visitors who have a love of the outdoors and are up for a rugged afternoon of pig hunting and fishing. Snapper abound along this remote coastline and hardy fisherman looking to try their luck will be richly rewarded. This is aimed at a small group of international visitors, who are planning to be in Hamilton as part of their RWC itinerary and who have identified “nature and the outdoors” as an area of special interest while in NZ.

Sea fishing off Kawhia

What is the connection between a well renowned New Zealand wine label and a quality New Zealand fashion label?

“An excellent opportunity to target internationals with discerning tastes in wine and fashion.”

Their passion for protecting New Zealand's natural environment. This hosted event is a collaborative effort, and is targeted at international visitors coming to Wellington, who work in the fashion/wine sectors and who have an interest in seeing what New Zealand can offer in these sectors. The aim is to share beautiful authentic New Zealand products along with breathtaking eco stories to a targeted group of special guests.

Starfish winter collection

New Zealand is poised to host the biggest sporting event this country has ever seen, and we need look no further than Anne Thorp, of Kai Ora fame, for inspiration on how best to host our international guests.

“From the moment they step in the door, they feel special.”

With the concept of manaakitanga underpinning all the ‘Māori Queen of Cuisine' does, Anne Thorp exemplifies the very essence of what Business Club hosting means.

Manaakitanga means hosting, in a holistic sense. On her popular Māori Television show, Kai Ora, Anne Thorp hosts celebrity guests in her home − welcoming, feeding and nourishing them in every way possible. Crossing the threshold in to Anne Thorp's home means being greeted like a long lost friend, and taken on a journey.

“From the moment they step in the door, they feel special,” she says.

With many international visitors listing a desire to experience Māori culture as a top priority when they visit Aotearoa, Anne's intimate dining events in her Auckland and beachside homes will be popular, as will her masterclasses, where she will pass on her expertise at preparing the fresh, simple, unadulterated food she is famous for.

As Business Club members, selected international guests will be personally invited to be hosted at one of Anne Thorp's exquisite five-star Kai Ora dining experiences, giving them a unique and unforgettable experience.

Anne says, “It's very rare that you can go anywhere in the world and be hosted in someone's home. When you come to my home, if I host you, you don't forget that. It's an experience. That's what I have to offer.”

Anne believes there's enormous value in joining the NZ 2011 Business Club, whether you're hosting your own event, or inviting international visitors to join you at a REAL New Zealand Festival event.

“If you've got a gift, share it. If you feel that you can give people a lovely experience, get on board.”

Anne Thorp, Queen of cuisine

Owner, Duncan Bates, is excited to host rugby supported from around the world at his Akaroa Salmon farm in Canterbury.

“This is a quality event for people with an interest in the sector.”

He takes great interest in building relationships with chefs from NZ – but through his Business Club hosting he's hoping to connect with international chefs who share a passion for good food and where it comes from. He's willing to show them genuine New Zealand hospitality – perhaps a day at sea, catching some fish, taking a look at the salmon farm followed by BBQ and drinks. “That's my idea of a good time”