Olympic Gold Medalist to entice Kiwis outdoors this summer

Hamish Bond promoting the Expo

Olympic Gold Medalist, Hamish Bond to entice Kiwis outdoors this summer

Time to put down the electronic devices and enjoy the warmer weather is the message heard at a media conference promoting the Auckland Outdoor Expo to be held on 5 and 6 November at ASB Showgrounds. Olympic gold medallist Hamish Bond, Police Sgt Dene Duthie and Jamie Lowe of Coastguard Auckland gathered at the Tamaki Yacht Club to celebrate the launch of the inaugural Auckland Outdoor Expo.

Hamish Bond inspired the audience with his love of the outdoors while emphasising the importance of being prepared. He said, “Extensive preparation is the key to our success. In Rio, 4 years of training came down to 6 minutes in the spotlight. When I turn up on the start line of a big race, I want to know exactly what I'm capable of.” Hamish is not only a rower but a cyclist and will finish the Tour of Southland cycle race just the day before his appearance at the Outdoor Expo, “the outdoors are a massive part of my life. I have competed all over the world but nothing beats being outdoors here at home”. At the Expo, Hamish will give a motivational seminar about his journey with rowing partner, Eric Murray to become the world’s best rowers. Their autobiography, The Kiwi Pair, will be on sale with Hamish available to autograph and take photos with visitors holding his Olympic gold medal.

The Auckland Outdoor Expo was created to fill a gap in the market for an Outdoor activities expo that brings together a wide range of products and businesses all in one place for outdoor enthusiasts and to entice newcomers to a diverse assortment of activities and travel options throughout the country. Over 100 outdoor and travel focused companies will exhibit to share concepts, activities, products and ideas. Domestic attractions from up and down the country as well as international airlines are keen to help Kiwis plan their next adventure. Entry is free to the public with early registration available online at www.outdoorexpo.co.nz. Expo visitors can take advantage of exclusive onsite discounts, test new products and even compete in a high tech laser skirmish on a specially designed full scale field.

Safety was the underlying message at yesterday’s launch event of the Auckland Outdoor Expo. Sgt Dene Duthie from Police Search & Rescue Coordinator for Auckland spoke about the city’s picturesque and diverse landscapes. “With just a short drive, you can go from the city centre to the ruggedness of the Waitakere Ranges. This proximity can breed complacency and people often underestimate the challenges that await them. We want people to enjoy the outdoors at a level that suits their abilities.” Coastguard had a similar message. “Our volunteers will drop everything to respond to emergencies 24/7. However it is much more effective to prevent them. This can be done by checking the weather before you leave, wearing your lifejacket, telling someone your plans and carrying 2 forms of waterproof communications.” The organisers of the Outdoor Expo are outdoor enthusiasts that want people to enjoy the outdoors safely so they have teamed up with these organisations to make safety a focus, with expo booth and informational seminars.

The event is being organised by Golden Bridge Exhibitions, an experienced overseas exhibition company, in conjunction with China Travel Service, New Zealand’s largest tour operator offering bilingual tour products and 3A Creative Centre, a total solutions advertising provider. Door prizes include Hong Kong Airlines return air ticket to Hong Kong (promoting that three quarters of Hong Kong is covered by country parks for outdoor activities), Huawei’s new P9 mobile phones and tickets to attractions.

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