11 October 2004
PRESS RELEASE

WAITANGI DAY DINNER

Friday 4 February 2005, The Dorchester Hotel, London

The New Zealand Society (Kia Ponu Tonu) will celebrate Waitangi Day (New Zealand Day) with a prestigious dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, London on 4 February next year.

The black tie dinner, which is held every year to mark of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and celebrate New Zealand’s achievements, is expected to attract over 400 guests.

Showcasing the very best of New Zealand food and wine, the evening includes a ‘champagne’ reception, a four-course gourmet dinner of New Zealand produce1 and wine, a Maori performance to commemorate the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840 and dancing until the small hours.

During the evening, the prestigious ‘New Zealander of the Year’ award2 will also be presented. Sponsored by Air New Zealand, the award recognises individuals who have contributed positively to enhancing New Zealand’s profile in the UK. Nomination forms can be obtained through the Society’s website http://www.nzsociety.co.uk/. Previous winners have included Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary General, late Harry Mahon, coach for the winning British Olympic Rowing team, world-renowned golfer Michael Campbell, chef Peter Gordon and Gold Olympic Equestrian winner, Mark Todd.

Considered the highlight in the calendar of the New Zealand Society, spaces are limited so people are encouraged to book early.

The cost of tickets for this event is £90 for members of The New Zealand Society and £100 for non-members.

In addition, a Waitangi Day service of thanksgiving and commemoration will be held at St Lawrence Jewry, next to the Guildhall in the City of London at 6.00pm on Thursday 3 February 2005. This is followed by drinks reception at the Girdlers Society. Tickets are £5.00 and will be donated to charity.

To book for either event, please send your details, with payment and a self-addressed envelope to:

Victoria Kennedy, 21 Milton Street, Worthing BN11 3NE.

More information about the New Zealand Society is available on their website: www.nzsociety.co.uk

Ends

Note for Editors:

1. Food produce is sponsored by PPCS Brooks (venison), New Zealand Lamb (Lamb), Sealord (seafood), JO Sims (berries), Fonterra (dairy produce), Zespri (kiwifruit), Jon Barfoot (kumera), Kai Kitchen (fruit cheeses).

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