Branson Auckland Bound

Branson Auckland Bound

AUCKLAND – June 8, 2011 – Internationally renowned entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, will visit Auckland in October for his first major speaking event in New Zealand. The event, which is being sponsored by BNZ, will see Sir Richard talk about his journey of “Making it to the Top” at a fundraising gala dinner for Outward Bound to launch the charity’s 50th anniversary year.

BNZ CEO Andrew Thorburn says, “Hosting a business leader of this calibre is a huge coup for the Auckland business community.

“We are a nation of entrepreneurs and adventurers, it’s in our DNA and reflected in the fact that 97 per cent of Kiwi businesses are SMEs. Right now New Zealand businesses are poised, ready to expand, and we know they will benefit from the spark of inspiration Sir Richard can bring.”

As a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Richard founded companies including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue, and Virgin Active, which employ 50,000 people across 30 countries with revenues exceeding $NZ25 billion. However Sir Richard is perhaps more recognised for his successful world record attempts at the fastest crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, by boat and balloon, as well as his record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle.

Sir Richard said, “Auckland is a great place to visit but I can’t imagine a better time to be there than during rugby’s World Cup.

“With the All Blacks expected to do well at the tournament and a general election coming up in November, it will be an especially exciting time.”

“I am also excited this event will mark the launch of the 50th Anniversary year for Outward Bound New Zealand, an organisation that I understand has challenged over 50,000 New Zealanders to achieve their dreams.”

The global entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group will give guests a unique insight into how to spot business opportunities and help them grow and succeed.

“A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts,” he said.

Auckland’s Mayor Len Brown says Sir Richard’s visit will inspire further innovation from Auckland businesses. “I look forward to welcoming Sir Richard Branson back to Auckland later this year – he couldn’t have chosen a better time to visit,” says Len Brown.

“For the new Auckland to prosper we need to embody the spirit of entrepreneurship which Sir Richard has made famous. We have an opportunity to showcase our city and what Auckland can deliver. “Sir Richard’s visit fits well with our events calendar and creates an opportunity for Auckland’s business leaders to engage with one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs,” says the Mayor.

Principal sponsor BNZ is confirmed for the ‘Sir Richard Branson in Auckland’ event, which is also supported by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, TVNZ, Audi, The New Zealand Herald and MediaWorks Radio. The event will be held on Thursday, 20 October at Auckland’s new Viaduct Events Centre. It is underwritten and organised by New Zealand’s foremost event company, Duco Events.

Duco Events Director David Higgins says, “It is a privilege to be bringing Sir Richard to New Zealand for this landmark event.”

“Everyone who is anyone will be there,” he says. “A VIP list including prominent local and international personalities is already underway.

“Strictly limited corporate tables and VIP seats will be on sale from the 20th of June 2011. We would encourage interested parties to register on our waiting list for further information at: www.duco.co.nz.”

Outward Bound will receive all the net charity auction proceeds with Duco Events professionally managing the operations and underwriting the costs of the project.

Patron of the Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand, Sir David Levene, says, “Sir Richard Branson, with his inspiring dreams and his perseverance to achieve them, both in business and in life, is a natural fit with Outward Bound’s mission and in fact mirrors what we as an organisation strive to deliver to all of those that take up the Outward Bound opportunity.”

“There is little doubt that every corporate in New Zealand will want to hear Sir Richard’s inspirational message and visions of the future. We feel privileged and honoured to be part of what will be the black tie event of 2011.”

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