NZ$85,000 Raised for Christchurch in Vermont

Nearly NZ$85,000 was raised for Christchurch Relief efforts at a relief benefit in Vermont in the United States on August 3. Rt Hon Mike Moore, New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, attended as a guest of honour.

The visit to Vermont and New Hampshire was part of a swing through key states to promote New Zealand trade intents, especially the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal that’s currently under negotiation.

“We are unbelievably well served by Honorary Consuls who got me appointments with Governors, State Secretaries of State, and agricultural experts,” said Ambassador Moore. The evening featured a special screening of the film “Boy” by New Zealand film director Taika Waititi. “I didn’t expect the humour would travel so well,” said Ambassador Moore. “But it did”.

Also present at the benefit was Tom Peters, co-author of famed best-seller, “In Search of Excellence”. Ambassador Moore was surprised to learn that Mr Peters has a beachfront property in the South Island. Also keen to lend their support was the Mayor of Burlington, Vermont Bob Kiss, as well as many Harvard and MIT students.

The United States has given the largest total sum of donations to Christchurch. “Americans generosity and continued support is indicative of the close ties the two countries have,” said Ambassador Moore. Ambassador Moore said he was pleased to see that people had not forgotten about Christchurch, and that he was inspired about how many times he heard the words, “What can I do to help?” from people across North America.

ENDS

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