17 March 2002 Hon Jim Anderton Speech Notes

Clearwater Classic

Closing address
Clearwater Golf Classic 2002
Clearwater Golf Course, Christchurch
6:00PM Sunday, 17 March 2002

I would like to congratulate the winner of this event.

It’s great to see golf of this quality being played in Christchurch.

I understand that Christchurch hasn’t had such a strong field of professional golfers since 1985, when Corey Pavin won the New Zealand Open at Russley.

It is a tribute to the organisers that such a prestigious event has been staged here.

And it is a tribute that such an outstanding course has been made ready in time.

The public of Christchurch, and of New Zealand, has been treated to some fascinating golf.

It is perhaps even more important that golf fans around the world have been able to watch the Clearwater Classic through coverage on the Golf Channel, CNBC Sports, Sky UK, Canal Plus, DFS, Channel 10, Fox Sports and TVNZ/Sky TV.

They have been able to see New Zealand as a high quality golfing destination.

It is critically important to New Zealand’s economic development that we are able to bring major events such as this to New Zealand, and that we are able to showcase New Zealand to the world.

The Clearwater Classic has not only been a showcase for golf and for Christchurch, but for high-quality New Zealand-developed innovation.

This event has benefited from the use of Trimble Navigation’s Site Vision, developed right here in Canterbury.

Site Vision is a revolutionary earthmoving grade control system that, designs surfaces and sets grades and alignments.

In recognition of the contribution the Clearwater Classic 2002 is making to New Zealand’s economic development, today I am able to announce that Industry New Zealand is providing funding of $75,000 to assist in holding the event.

Industry New Zealand Major Events funding is provided case by case for events that provide significant economic development opportunities for New Zealand.

The Industry New Zealand funding complements funding from Tourism New Zealand for the rights to use promotional ‘postcards’ promoting New Zealand as a golfing destination.

Across the Tasman, Australian states such as New South Wales and Victoria aim to have a major event every week.

They recognise the value of major events to the economy as well as to the quality of life of the community.

It’s my aim for New Zealand to enjoy economic, cultural and sporting riches on the same scale.

Major events funding is new to New Zealand.

But it is an example of the Government working in partnership with industry and with local communities to transform the economy, create more jobs and raise our average incomes.

If we want first world living standards and social services, then we need to have a strong economic base, which is created in part through events such as this.

I believe the Christchurch and New Zealand public have enjoyed the entertainment at this tournament over the last four days.

The community has benefited from it, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved on the success of the event.

Ends

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