The band, which started in Dunedin, is expected to play for more than a week at Expo, where 192 countries will exhibit. It is regarded by the Government as a part of its recovery from Covid-19, which has savaged the economy, which suffered a worse than feared contraction in the December quarter.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the event — postponed from last year — would be a launching pad for all countries to get into international markets.
"That will certainly be the case for New Zealand."
Expo will run for six months, and New Zealand’s pavilion is almost complete for the event.
"We’ve done very well with some of our export markets, but now’s a chance to make sure that we are entering new spaces, and really lifting our profile," Ms Ardern said.
Many of those going to Expo, which stretches to April 2022, would have been vaccinated as part of the general programme from midyear. There could be provision for early vaccinations for some groups who need to represent New Zealand overseas, but criteria had not been set.
"We just need to make sure that we treat everyone consistently if we do have a special process for those representing New Zealand abroad."
While the event still retained the Expo 2020 name, the taxpayers’ commitment has risen by close to $8million due to the need to pause and restart building work and disruption to filming for the entertainment and cultural programme.
Under the theme of Care for People and Place, New Zealand plans to showcase its values, innovation and creativity to the world in the city state, which is one of the biggest global hubs.
It is expected that about 600 representatives from private sponsors, NZ Trade and Enterprise staff and performers and entertainers will make the trip to Dubai.
Choreographer Parris Goebel has developed an entertainment programme celebrating New Zealand’s creativity, diversity and youth.
All our major trading partners are participating at Dubai and host country the United Arab Emirates itself is New Zealand’s 10th biggest trading partner, taking exports of $3.9billion a year, and growing.
The Middle East region is New Zealand’s seventh-largest trading partner and a source of demand for this country’s food and beverages — a big part of the push at Expo. The New Zealand pavilion will showcase food and drink at a restaurant at the site.
