Media Release 18 May 2004

'Cult Couture' Celebrates Villa Maria Support

Manukau City Council is pleased to announce Manukau's outstanding award winning winemaker, Villa Maria, has reconfirmed its sponsorship of Cult Couture, a Council event combining art, fashion and culture, now in its third year.

The signing takes place on Thursday 20 May at the new prestigious Villa Maria Estate complex on Oruarangi Drive, Mangere and will seal a three year deal giving namingReceived: from GWMCC-MTA by fsgate.manukau.govt.n rights to the event, to be known as 'Villa Maria Cult Couture'.

Manukau Mayor, Sir Barry Curtis says, "Villa Maria is seen as a Manukau, and New Zealand, success story and a superb fit as a sponsor of an arts, cultural and fashion event.

"I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Managing Director George Fistonich, a leading city businessman and an inductee in the Westpac Business Awards' Hall of Fame. His company, the largest privately owned winery in New Zealand and recipient of New Zealand's most awarded wines both nationally and internationally, has a significant long term investment in this venture which is more than just a sponsorship arrangement. It is an important partnership between Villa Maria and Manukau City Council to ensure the future of this rapidly growing success story.

"The Villa Maria Cult Couture team has a number of marketing strategies to ensure it gains a higher profile and reaches a wider audience in the Auckland region. I am sure in the coming years it will grow into a regional fashion and arts extravaganza, as it showcases an emerging cultural design industry in a city known for its cultural diversity, Manukau - Face of the Future® "

ENDS

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