Otago businesses run with the ball in build-up to RWC

Des Adamson
Des Adamson
Otago businesses are punching above their weight in preparation for making the most of opportunities during the Rugby World Cup, already representing 16% of a national online "business club".

Aside from 500 Otago registrations among the total 2960 registrations, Otago is at present third in the country in offering online information on the Match Ready website and boasts confirmation of more than 30 free, organised hosting events around the province.

In the build-up to the world cup, both New Zealand and United Kingdom business-oriented organisations are already working towards getting business contemporaries together to explore opportunities.

Under the Dunedin City Council, a governance body including the University of Otago, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, the police, Dunedin Host and council representatives is, among other things, working towards getting Otago and UK business people together while the visitors are in Otago.

Council economic development unit business adviser Des Adamson said yesterday Otago businesses were "exceptionally well represented so far", and urged more to consider signing up.

"We want to show visiting business people from overseas that we can host them with great Kiwi hospitality ... and start to build business ties," he said.

Some of the 30 arranged hosting events around Otago already confirmed included wine tours, fishing, social rugby games, an art festival, golf, four-wheel-driving, restaurant outings and jet-boating.

"A hosted event can range from a barbecue at home through to a large organised tourism venture," Mr Adamson said, noting that a condition of hosting was that visitors were not charged.

The Match Ready information includes planning and training programmes, compliance issues and commercial restrictions through to less formal travel and planning tips for business people.

A New Zealand Trade and Enterprise representative congratulated Mr Adamson yesterday on visits to Otago's part of Match Ready, which had captured more than 12% of site hits and, at 4.5 minutes per view, was third only to Auckland and Wellington.

On September 22 in Dunedin, before a large British High Commission-hosted event in the city that day, a sporting "Peak Performance" showcase will be held at the council chambers for visiting fans, with an emphasis on English visitors.

Mr Adamson said Otago and New Zealand sporting services and products would be showcased, including sports performance enhancement, nutrition, medical and sport psychology services, technology and clothing and equipment.

"We want to be able to foster an environment for business engagement between the exhibitors and audience," Mr Adamson said.

• Match Ready at www.GameOn2011.govt.nz

 

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