Prime Minister to Ride in AQUADA Amphibian

Tue, 1 Mar 2005

1 March 2005

Prime Minister to Ride in AQUADA Amphibian

The Prime Minister Helen Clark will ride in the AQUADA, the world's first high-speed sports amphibian, on Wellington Harbour from Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay at 10.30am on Thursday 3 March.* Developed by New Zealand entrepreneur and businessman Alan Gibbs, the AQUADA is an icon of kiwi ingenuity and innovation. Founder of Gibbs Technologies, Gibbs spearheaded development of the High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology that enables the AQUADA to travel on land at speeds of up to 160 kph, while transitioning at the push of a button to travel at around 50 kph on water.

The Prime Minister's ride in the AQUADA kicks off a host of activity at Te Papa that brings this New Zealand innovation icon to all New Zealanders.

- The public can see the AQUADA in action off Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay on Saturday 5 March, between 2-5pm.

- The AQUADA will be on display in Te Papa's Wellington Foyer from Sunday 6 March to 30 April.

- Alan Gibbs will deliver a free public lecture on the development of the AQUADA and the High Speed Amphibian Technology that drives the innovation, on Wednesday 9 March, 12.15pm-1pm. Soundings Theatre, Te Papa.

- ENDS - Background In 2003, the AQUADA, the world's first High Speed Sports Amphibian, demonstrated how HSA technology enables vehicles to reach speeds of 160 kph on land and around 50 kph on water. The AQUADA was developed by Gibbs Technologies Limited, and was the first variant of its proprietary HSA technology. Gibbs plans to license HSA technology to other manufacturers to deliver new forms of recreation and leisure, and serious solutions for urban transport issues and advanced capability for emergency and rescue services.

Programme of AQUADA Events Prime Minister's Ride in AQUADA Thursday 3 March, 10.30am-11.15am, Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay.* AQUADA Demonstration Saturday 5 March, 2.00pm-5.00pm, Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay. Free entry.

AQUADA On Display >From Sunday 6 March-30 April, Wellington Foyer, Te Papa. Free entry.

AQUADA Lecture with Alan Gibbs Wednesday 9 March, 12.15pm-1.00pm, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa. Free entry.

ENDS

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