NZ is awesome - pass it on!
14 Apr 2010
Kiwi ex-pats are being given the chance to "fall in love with New Zealand all over again" and pass on the good word in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
One of New Zealand’s most successful businessmen, Sir Stephen Tindall - founder of The Warehouse retail chain and chairman of the Kiwi Ex-pat Association (KEA) - has launched the passiton.co.nz website encouraging ex-pats to support their home country ahead of the big event.
The initiative is designed to turn the nearly one million New Zealanders who live overseas into a network of virtual ambassadors.
Pass it on
Along with non-Kiwis who love New Zealand, ex-pats are being asked to tell their mates and business contacts about everything New Zealand has to offer, particularly with the eyes of the world on the country before and during the Rugby World Cup 2011, says Sir Stephen.
"This tournament is the perfect opportunity for Kiwis abroad to re-connect with their homeland and tell people around the world what is going on.
"From our fashion designers, to musicians, yacht designers, and superb pinot noir, we have talent and products which our international supporters club can spread the word about - before, during and after the events of 2011," Tindall said.
Pass points
Based on the childhood game of Chinese Whispers, the website’s message is: "New Zealand has plenty to brag about. Pass it on".
Promotional videos on the site highlight New Zealand’s "hidden treasures" including businesses, musicians, designers, artists and film-makers. Each is accompanied by a profile and contact information and how they can be helped by overseas contacts.
If ex-pats share the information with friends and relatives living overseas, they earn "pass points" which then gives them entry into monthly prize draws.
Nearly NZ$300,000 of prizes are up for grabs, including "money can’t buy" travel experiences to New Zealand, like an ‘Ex-pat Reconnaissance Tour’ - an opportunity for four Kiwis living overseas to bring their best non-Kiwi mates home for a week.
Overseas connections
KEA executive director Ross McConnell says Pass It On will also mean New Zealand’s many talented musicians, film makers, fashion designers, and other business people can use the website to network.
"Many Kiwis have done incredibly well overseas, and have fantastic international networks as a result. This is a great opportunity for New Zealand to make the most of those connections, as global interest in New Zealand peaks over the next 18 months."
With over 25,000 members in 180-plus countries, the KEA network had a crucial role to play in the Rugby Word Cup 2011 campaign, McConnell said.
More information:
Rugby World Cup 2011 tickets ready to roll
New Zealand-wide rugby festival revealed
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