Catching The Knowledge Wave In Your Community

9 May 2002

* New Zealand used to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but are we still wealthy?
* Should we care about whether we are a high-income country if we have a good lifestyle?
* How do we use our knowledge and innovation to deliver sustainable
economic growth for New Zealand?

These are some of the questions that will be raised for discussion during the nationwide roadshow 'Catching the Knowledge Wave in Your Community' being organised by Business NZ, the Economic Development Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) and Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ), and supported by the Knowledge Wave Trust and the Science and Technology Promotion Fund.

The roadshow will run from mid-May to the end of June, calling on more than 20 centres around the country* will be targeted at local business and community leaders, and will take the format of succinct lunch time and early evening sessions, says Ann Verboeket, Executive Director of EDANZ.

The roadshow will emphasise the importance of knowledge, particularly around research, science and technology as a means to foster innovation at a local level and so help New Zealand achieve a higher sustainable level of business and economic growth, with local 'icon' speakers adding their own perspectives and experience, says Andrew Cleland, Chief Executive of IPENZ.

Simon Carlaw, Business NZ Chief Executive, says over the lat two years New Zealand has been fortunate having strong growth driven largely by favourable weather, a competitive exchange rate, relatively low interest rates, and high commodity prices, but there are now signs that this benign business environment is changing, and a realisation that we all must lift our games if the boom isn't to be followed by a bust.

The roadshow will celebrate success at a local level and provide powerful insights on how innovation, knowledge and a greater use of science and technology will help lift New Zealand businesses and organisations onto a higher growth path, to the benefit of all.

For inquiries please contact either John Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive Engineers New Zealand (ph 04 494 8932, e-mail jgardiner@ipenz.org.nz ), your local economic development agency, IPENZ branch, Business NZ regional association, or visit www.kwroadshow.org.nz .

Catching the Knowledge Wave in Your Community

Roadshow Programme

Centre Date Time Venue

Kapiti Tuesday 7 May 12:00 noon

Porirua Tuesday 7 May 5:30 pm

Blenheim Monday 13 May 12:00 noon

Nelson Monday 13 May 5:30 pm

Greymouth Tuesday 14 May 12:00 noon

Christchurch Tuesday 14 May 5:30 pm

Timaru Wednesday 15 May 12:00 noon

Dunedin Wednesday 15 May 5:30 pm

Invercargill Thursday 16 May 12:00 noon

New Plymouth Monday 27 May 5:30 pm

Wanganui Tuesday 28 May 12:00 noon

Palmerston North Tuesday 28 May 5:30 pm

Masterton Wednesday 29 May Breakfast

Napier Wednesday 29 May 5:30pm

Gisborne Thursday 30 May 12:00 noon

Rodney/North Shore Monday 10 June 12:00 noon

Whangarei Monday 10 June 5:30pm

Waitakere Tuesday 11 June 12:00 noon

Manukau Tuesday 11 June 5:30 pm

Tauranga Wednesday 12 June 12:00 noon

Hamilton Thursday 13 June 12:00 noon

Rotorua/Taupo To be advised To be advised

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