"Millions of people worldwide will see New Zealand through the Eco-Challenge race via USA Network, Discovery Channel Canada and Columbia TriStar International Television thanks to this Government and its economic development policies," says Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton. USA Network alone is seen in more than 80 million US homes.

Jim Anderton was announcing today that the organisers of the international Eco-Challenge Expedition Race have chosen the South Island to host next year’s race.

"Industry New Zealand, the Government's jobs machine, has worked hard to convince Eco-Challenge to come here and this is an excellent result. Tourism New Zealand have also been involved."

"Eco-Challenge could have gone elsewhere and we would have missed out on the international exposure and the spin-offs from this huge event. This is an exciting additional event for New Zealand," said Jim Anderton.

Eco-Challenge 2001 will be a 400 - 450 km race over some of the most challenging terrain in New Zealand. Seventy-five teams of four people will ride horses, run, climb, mountain bike, pack raft and kayak the course. The winning team will take approximately six days to finish. New Zealand teams have won three of the seven Eco-Challenge races held.

“There will be 800 – 1,000 international competitors, VIPs, journalists and supporters who will come to New Zealand to watch Eco-Challenge. It is estimated they will contribute $6 – 8 million to the economy. In addition, the race offers many opportunities to attract overseas investment to New Zealand and boost local industries such as the film industry.

"We welcome the organisers and competitors and hope to make this the best ever Eco-Challenge,” says Jim Anderton. “We are hopeful that racing in their own backyard the New Zealand teams will do well again next year”.
Photos available:
http://www.industrynz.govt.nz/news/media/2000/1211_eco-challengepics.html
Film for TV broadcast is available from Suzanne Cookson

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