Monday October 3

Canterbury Taking It To Auckland – Connecting Canterbury Week @ The Cloud

While there might be no rugby games in Christchurch, Christchurch businesses are making sure Auckland – and international visitors know what the red and black is offering businesses and investors.

“Connecting Canterbury @ The Cloud” week, showcasing Canterbury Business Innovation, will run from Wednesday 5th to Monday 10th October over the Quarter Finals weekend that Canterbury would have hosted.

Christchurch RWC Manager Anne Hindson says the purpose of being in Auckland is to show Canterbury is moving forward with a bold new vision and business confidence, reinforcing it being an important centre of research and innovation.

“The Cloud will be branded red and black,” she says. “The week focuses on Canterbury Business Innovation, with a new audio visual presentation on the economic strengths and vision for Canterbury, produced by Whitebait TV, and showing continually on the huge screens.

“Static and interactive displays will include Hamilton Jet, Yike Bike, Martin Jet Pack, NZ Merino, ARC innovations, Dynamic Composites and a Creative Corner. “

On the stage will be a series of Innovation Speakers and Faces of Canterbury, including Steve Gurney, Todd Blackadder, Jason Gunn and former Cantabrian James Daniels.

Squaring off in the Celebrity Cook-off will be Gerry Brownlee, Jim Boult, Todd Blackadder, Peter Townsend, Steve Gurney, Bill Luff and others.

Special features will include a Field to Fashion profile, with some of our leading fibre fashion producers showcasing Canterbury products.

Canterbury chefs and wine experts will offer Taste of Canterbury Food and Wine Matching on the stage, taking people through the taste experience. Chefs include Jonny Schwass (Restaurant Personality of the Year), Gary Miller (Vice President of NZ Chefs Assn) and Brett McGregor (NZ Master Chef Winner 2010.)

Ms Hindson says she suspects one of the highlights will be the opportunity for visitors to pit themselves against some rugby-focused technology.

“Canterbury Rugby and its leading edge technology around equipment, as well as on-line coaching, will be demonstrated through interactive skills sessions,” she says. “Kids will be able to pitch their skills against Canterbury players and on-line competitions.

“We hope visitors to The Cloud will be in no doubt Canterbury has hit town, nor in any doubt we are a key economic centre for the country.

“There are definite opportunities for business, investment and employment in this region and we are hoping this week will demonstrate this red and black region is bold, certain and confident – as well as a great place to do business,” she says.

ENDS

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