New Zealand's national day at World Expo in Shanghai, China today is an opportunity to showcase all that New Zealand has to offer, Prime Minister John Key says.Every country at the expo is allocated a national day where they hold special events.Today is N
New Zealand's national day at World Expo in Shanghai, China today is an opportunity to showcase all that New Zealand has to offer, Prime Minister John Key says.
Every country at the expo is allocated a national day where they hold special events.
Today is New Zealand's and Mr Key is in Shanghai to celebrate.
A waharoa or gateway -- carved in the shape of a waka maumahara (ceremonial canoe) -- will be officially gifted to the Baoshan District Mayor.
There will also be a flag raising ceremony, speeches and cultural performances.
Mr Key will also give out three trips to New Zealand for Chinese people who won them through Tourism New Zealand.
More than seven million people are expected to visit the New Zealand pavilion over six months.
One million already have in the first two months.
Today was an important day for New Zealand, Mr Key said.
While a lot of people were getting a taste of New Zealand the challenge was to make sure some of them come to New Zealand on holiday or buy our goods.
Contact would be kept with those who visited the pavilion through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the collection of email addresses, Mr Key said.
While some people would just wander through and have a look others would be encouraged to take a trip to New Zealand, he said.
Mr Key leaves for Vietnam tomorrow.
(Kate Chapman travelled with the help of funding from the Asia New Zealand Foundation)
