Clark And rudd To Address Business Conference

Media Release

1 April 2008

Helen Clark and Kevin Rudd to address major Auckland climate change business conference

Both Helen Clark and Kevin Rudd have today agreed to address a major trans-Tasman climate change business conference to be held in Auckland. The landmark function, which has become the major event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, will this year be held at Auckland's Sky City Convention Centre from the 18-20 August, 2008.

The three day event which features keynote presentations by a huge range of industry leaders and practical workshops on relevant subjects like emissions trading and investment opportunities, has been moved one day earlier to make it possible for both the New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers to attend the event.

Conference organiser Elizabeth Edmonds said that the reaction from both governments and the business community has been incredible. "We have had a fantastic response from our political leaders on both sides of the Tasman, and are thrilled to confirm both Helen Clark's and Kevin Rudd's presence to participate in a comprehensive trans-Tasman dialogue," she said.

"We knew that this issue was growing in priority for Australasian businesses, but with an Emissions Trading Scheme in New Zealand, and one imminent in Australia, the level of interest has gone up a notch compared to last year," Ms Edmonds said.

The conference aims to bring businesses from the region together to learn more about the risks and opportunities global warming presents, and to find ways they can react appropriately. Over 80 speakers from Australia, New Zealand, the EU, the US and the UK are invited to provide a broad base of expertise, experience and viewpoints. They include representatives of some of the most knowledgeable organisations both private and public in the region, including RioTinto, PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN Amro, Baker & McKenzie, NZ Post, and the Australian and New Zealand Federal Government's.

Specialised topics for speeches and case studies range from climate change science updates, agriculture and land use implications, emissions trading in both voluntary and regulated markets, supply chain realities, marketing solutions, investment opportunities and specific policy debates.

The event represents a unique opportunity for an interchange of ideas between New Zealand and Australian business leaders and policy makers. This year's conference is expected to be very well attended and is viewed as the pre-eminent conference on climate change for business in this region.

Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities remain available. The conference is a not-for-profit event run by a consortium of business and non-government entities in five countries.

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