Friday, January 23, 2004 - Wellington

MEDIA ADVISORY

Prime Minister to farewell Albatross Voyage

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark will tomorrow farewell John Ridgeway's Albatross Voyage as it starts the New Zealand to Falklands leg of its round the world voyage. Helen Clark will farewell the boat at 11.45am, Saturday 24 January, Jetty A, Chaffers Marina, Wellington.

The farewell will be accompanied by banners, well-wishers, kayakers and local yachts. MPs Annette King and Marian Hobbs will accompany Helen Clark.

"The voyage is achieving its objective of raising international awareness of the plight of albatross and the impact of pirate fishing," said Forest and Bird Conservation Manager Kevin Hackwell.

"Sailing around the world on such an important mission is a real challenge and the crew deserve all the support we can give them. We hope lots of Wellington residents will come and show their support on Saturday," he said.

"The next leg of the voyage may be the most challenging as they follow the albatrosses' flight routes across the South Pacific and round Cape Horn to reach the Falkland Islands," he said.

Contact:
Kevin Hackwell, Conservation Manager, 04 385 7374 (w), 04 389 4815 (h), 021 227 8420
Geoff Keey, Communications Officer, 04 385 7374 (w), 021 426 984

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