(PR.co.nz) Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is delighted that the Government will financially support the city hosting the Great Wine Capitals Global Network’s AGM and Conference in Christchurch later this year.
Minister for Economic Development Gerry Brownlee today announced that the Government will contribute $200,000 to support Christchurch with its hosting of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network AGM and international wine conference from 31 October to 4 November.
Mr Parker says it was a huge coup when Christchurch/South Island was last year selected as the New Zealand representative on the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network which includes as members wine regions such as Bordeaux, France, and San Francisco/Napa Valley, United States. Great Wine Capitals is an international network of major wine producing regions which aims to promote tourism, education and business exchange.
Christchurch/South Island incorporates the wine growing regions of Canterbury, Waipara Valley, Marlborough Nelson and Central Otago. As the largest wine-growing region in the South Island Marlborough played a key role in the bid.
Bob Parker says the Government’s decision to help fund this year’s conference further endorses Christchurch/South Island as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals and recognises the role that Christchurch City Council played in leading last year’s bid.
“In applying for the status as a Great Wine Capital, we worked closely with winegrowers throughout the South Island and our selection was something of a coup for Christchurch and the rest of the South Island,” Mr Parker says.
“It is an example of South Island regional partners working together to achieve top results. As always we can achieve more by working together than independently.”
Mr Parker says this year’s conference is a unique opportunity to showcase and reaffirm New Zealand as a maker of premium wines to a prestigious international audience.
“It will bring many influential wine writers and wine industry leaders to New Zealand,” he says.
“The conference will also highlight Christchurch as the gateway to a diverse and dramatic range of wine tourism destinations. It will also provide opportunities to showcase Christchurch City and the rest of the South Island to a premium tourist market in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.”
Media Release 2 June 2010 from Christchurch City Council.