歡迎新西蘭七人欖球隊招待會

歡迎新西蘭七人欖球隊招待會
Spotlight on New Zealand on the Eve of the Hong Kong Sevens 2014 New Zealand Rugby Sevens Reception

New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Murray McCully

Following the success of the Inaugural New Zealand Rugby Reception held in March last year, New Zealand sports celebrities including ex All Blacks and a Kiwi Olympic gold medalist came to Hong Kong to celebrate New Zealand's sporting achievements with a business audience on the eve of the Hong Kong Sevens on 27 March.

New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon Murray McCully, addressed New Zealand's trade and business partners in Hong Kong at the 2014 New Zealand Rugby Sevens Reception, who joined the evening's festivities to enjoy specialty New Zealand wine and food, as well as a traditional Kapa Haka Māori cultural performance.

Former All Blacks Graham Mourie, Frank Bunce, Christian Cullen and Terry Wright were in attendance, as well as Olympic Gold Medalist (Canoeing) from New Zealand, Grant Bramwell.

From left: (2nd from left) Ex All Black Terry Wright, (3rd from left) New Zealand Consul-General Robert Kaiwai, (3rd from right) Olympic Gold Medalist Grant Bramwell

The event was hosted by the New Zealand Consul-General in Hong Kong, and supported by Air New Zealand, Sino Group, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, Victoria Wines, New Zealand Focus, Supreme Products International Ltd. and BomCarma.

Air New Zealand’s Regional General Manager Asia, Sandeep Bahl said, “As the national carrier of New Zealand and an official sponsor of the All Blacks Sevens team, we are proud to share our unique culture, lifestyle and our passion for sports with everyone in Hong Kong. Our double daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Auckland together with Cathay Pacific mean travellers can fly easily, frequently and conveniently between the two destinations. Air New Zealand’s friendly Kiwi service, delicious food and award winning wines are a part of the experience our customers get to enjoy when they fly with us; we make you feel at home the moment you step on-board. ”

From left: Ex All Black Christian Cullen, New Zealand Consul-General Robert Kaiwai, and CCMG Director David Pollock, General Manager of Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hans Loontiens and Mrs Lily Loontiens

Local media were invited to attend a special media session prior to the Reception, with the opportunity to interview the Kiwi sports legends.

New Zealand Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao, Robert Kaiwai, says New Zealand is proud of our sports heroes.
“This event, held annually on the eve of the Hong Kong Sevens, celebrates New Zealand's success in international rugby, and showcases New Zealand's commitment to the development of rugby in the region. It also provides an avenue for us to update trade and business partners in Hong Kong on New Zealand's investment opportunities as we count down to the kick-off of the Hong Kong Sevens in a festive setting”.

“The New Zealand Rugby Reception has become an annual Sevens event for rugby fans among the local business community. This year, New Zealand was officially represented by the Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Sport and Recreation. The Consulate is grateful for the generous support of our key sponsors, Air New Zealand, Sino Group, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, which worked with us to showcase the best of New Zealand food, wine, culture and the sporting achievements of our national athletes.”

From left: New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Murray McCully and Regional General Manager Asia of Air New Zealand Sandeep Bahl

From left: Ex All Black Captain Graham Mourie and Regional General Manager Asia of Air New Zealand Sandeep Bahl

Kapa Haka Group and our guests