Festival Of Colour Announces Two New Speakers

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (April 20, 2009) – The Festival of Colour today announced two significant new additions to its Aspiring Conversations programme – former New Zealand prime minister Jim Bolger and British High Commissioner George Fergusson.

Bolger will discuss New Zealand and its position in the world after the global economic meltdown. The session is on Saturday May 2 in the Infinity Crystal Palace at 1.30pm. Jim Bolger entered politics in 1972 and represented the King Country until his retirement in 1998. Three days after he was sworn in as Prime Minister in 1990, Bolger's government was forced to bail out the Bank of New Zealand. His government introduced MMP, a New Zealand Honours system, and settled three major Treaty claims. He was replaced as Prime Minister by Jenny Shipley in a 1997 coup. Jim Bolger was subsequently appointed as Ambassador to the USA. On his return in 2001, he became Chairman of NZ Post and Kiwibank. He also chairs a number of other companies, both in New Zealand and in the States, and in 2007 was elected Chancellor of Waikato University.

George Fergusson was appointed British High Commissioner to New Zealand in 2006 but he first came here in 1962 at the age of seven when his father was Governor-General. He will discuss the relationship between New Zealand and the UK in the 21st Century, how it has evolved and where he perceives the future lies. “The links between Britain and New Zealand - Aotearoa - are always changing but stay very close,” he said. “The relationship has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.” His talk will follow on from Jim Bolger’s at 3.00pm, also in the Infinity Crystal Palace. Both sessions are $10 in advance or $5 on the door. “Jim Bolger is our senior statesman with such a wealth of experience,” said festival director, Philip Tremewan. “And George Fergusson brings his long family association together with his own professional insight. We are delighted to be able to offer audiences the opportunity to hear their take on topical issues and enter into discussion with them.” The Festival of Colour takes place on 28 April to 3 May 2009 with tickets still available for a number of shows and is generously supported by Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Otago, Creative New Zealand, Infinity Investment Group, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Aurora. For further information and ticket sales visit www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

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