NZFF

Targa NZ wrote:

QUOTE (Targa NZ @ Aug 30 2010, 10:00 AM)

30th August 2010 Media Release

Kiwi Speed Fest – a major new tourism initiative takes its first major step.

Kiwi Speed Festival's organizers Leigh Hopper, Paul Shanahan of HOPPER DEVELOPMENTS and Peter Martin from TARGA NZ met with New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key and Tourism Ministry advisors at the PM's Wellington office on August 18, 2010.

They were there at the invitation of the PM to outline their concept for Kiwi Speed Fest, a major event, which they believe has the potential to attract a new tourist market made up of an international following of competitors and spectators. They plan to create an event, which would compare well with famous northern hemisphere events and repeat on a regular basis to build a following over successive years.

The proposed festival would travel through NZ and include three main centres, Wanaka, Wellington and Whitianga (home of Whitianga's Festival of Speed). Along the way the festival would stop at many of NZ's popular tourism destinations. Each night, a provincial town would play host to the entourage with its exotic cars and aircraft. The Festival would take place over three consecutive weekends, beginning at the Warbirds over Wanaka air show in the South Island and work its way north. For the first time ever in Wanaka, offshore power boats and other forms of high speed boat racing would combine with aircraft and car events to extend the already popular Warbirds weekend. Similarly, Wellington and Whitianga would enjoy extended festivals.

Offshore power boat races, car rallies, street sprints, aircraft rally, helicopter rally along with static displays of exotic cars would all be part of a grand speed festival.

The organizers received a very warm response from Mr Key. He advised them that their proposal would be forwarded to Ministry for Economic Development for assessment as suitable for a Major Event Funding application.

Already, there has been a good deal of enthusiasm expressed by those representing the cornerstone components of the festival such as Warbirds over Wanaka, NZ Offshore Power Boat Association and TARGA NZ plus the main regional tourism offices.

Should the Festival obtain the support it seeks, a public launch is planned to take place during the Rugby World Cup to capture the international media's attention

Wanted: Expressions of interest and support.

The organizers welcome support from clubs, associations, accommodation and tourism operators who would like to become involved.

Please register your interest by email to paul@hoppers.co.nz

ENDS.

Peter Martin / Targa Media / Email: media@targa.co.nz / Ph: 09 298 8322 / Mob: 0274 525643