Todd Energy and Shell share the stage at WOMAD

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Todd Energy and Shell share the stage at WOMAD

Shell and Todd Energy are proud to be sharing the stage at the WOMAD Festival for the next three years after agreeing to renew and increase their funding support for this major New Zealand event.

The Taranaki-based oil and gas companies have provided a strong partnership base for the world music festival since the first event was held in New Plymouth in 2003.

Todd Energy Managing Director, Richard Tweedie and Shell New Zealand chairman Rob Jager said both companies had enjoyed a long and positive association with the Taranaki community for 50 years and wanted to ensure WOMAD stayed in the region. Mr Jager said “The three-day festival contributes to Taranaki being a great place to live, work and play. We want the considerable social and economic rewards to continue to benefit our community.”

WOMAD 2010 attracted nearly 300 performers from 21 different countries and generated total regional expenditure of $7.02 million into the local economy. $3.28 million was attributed to regional GDP.

Mr Tweedie said “Next year’s WOMAD will be the seventh we are involved in and we look forward to this world class event strengthening from year to year. It’s a great opportunity to work together for the benefit of the region we are committed to.”

The two partners plan to take some of the magic of WOMAD to Taranaki communities outside New Plymouth over the next three years to give them a taste of the festival. WOMAD CEO Suzanne Porter said “I am delighted by the continued support from these two industry leaders who have been with us since 2003. Shell and Todd Energy’s support has been critical from the beginning in WOMAD being successful in New Zealand.”

TSB Bank has joined Todd Energy and Shell as an Event Partner and the New Plymouth District Council has renewed its support as the Host City Partner. The combined partnership is worth more than $1 million.

WOMAD New Zealand takes place at TSB Bowl and Brooklands Park in New Plymouth from Friday 18 March to Sunday 20 March 2011.

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