NEWS RELEASE
30 July 2008

TV star Phil Keoghan set to inspire local youth

Wellington senior college pupils and youth group members next week get the opportunity to meet and be inspired by Phil Keoghan, host of TV’s The Amazing Race, author of No Opportunity Wasted and winner of the World Class New Zealand Creative Industries Award for 2008.

Born in Christchurch, Phil Keoghan has worked in over 70 countries around the world as host, producer, writer and cameraman. He has won five Emmy Awards for his work.

His book No Opportunity Wasted (N.O.W) tells how, after a near-death experience at the age of 19, he set out to live life to the fullest by achieving exotic goals and taking risks. Since then, he’s broken a world bungy jumping record, dived in the world’s longest underwater caves, eaten a meal on top of an erupting volcano and renewed his wedding vows underwater. He has even appeared on Oprah with his list of ‘100 things to do before he dies’.

Around 60 senior pupils have been invited from secondary schools across the city to hear Phil speak at the Michael Fowler Centre on Friday 8 August. Members of the Youth Council and local entrepreneurs have also been invited. Phil will give a presentation on his philosophy of life and will encourage the audience to “think big and challenge yourself”.

Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon will introduce Phil and says he hopes the event will encourage young people to benefit from the example of Phil’s approach to life, and inspire them to be creative in their own lives.

“Phil has an exciting and colourful life story and is a fantastic role model for young people. He is a great supporter and a wonderful ambassador for New Zealand abroad, and we are delighted to welcome him to the capital city.

“In Wellington we pride ourselves on our creativity and the Council is always looking for ways to encourage imaginative thinking. This event is sure to be a great opportunity for young people to be inspired by one of New Zealand’s top creative achievers.”

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