“There’s no better tour guide than a local, and if that local also happens to be in the same business as you, you could get a whole lot more out of your New Zealand rugby trip than simply a great time,” says Leon Grice, Director of the NZ 2011 Office.

The NZ 2011 Office is the government organisation responsible for maximising the opportunities offered by New Zealand’s hosting of the Rugby Tournament. The NZ 2011 Business Club is part of that programme, and connects international rugby fans coming to New Zealand for the Rugby, with local hosts.
 
“No matter where in the world you’re from, if you’re going to be in New Zealand for the Rugby sign up to the Business Club and let us do the work.” says Leon. “We’ll link up international visitors with like-minded New Zealanders who’d like to host them while they’re here for the Tournament.”
 
Leon says meeting up with New Zealand rugby fans will give international visitors an authentic experience of our country with a great Kiwi host. “The Business Club is about enjoyment, first and foremost, but it’s also about the possibility of making new business connections through rugby.”

For New Zealand Business club hosts, there’s never been such a golden opportunity to make connections with people all over the world – as more than 85,000 international visitors are expected to come to New Zealand during the Tournament.

The key is Kiwis putting up their hands to host. “As a nation famous for sport and recreation, many of the events are focused on the outdoors; fishing in a local’s favourite spot, biking on the best mountain bike tracks, playing golf at exclusive courses, or perhaps soaking up the atmosphere at a local rugby club, such as Ponsonby.

But, as a nation also famous for its food and wine, there will certainly be plenty of local wine, crafted beer, and top-notch cuisine on offer too,” Leon says.

“NZ 2011 Business Club membership reflects the diversity of businesses and business people worldwide, and it’s this diversity that is the key to the Club’s success. It means there’s something for everyone, and lots of scope to mix and match hosts and guests and ensure everyone can make the most of being in New Zealand in 2011.”

To date, 3,285 New Zealanders have signed up to the Business Club, and 337 hosting events have been submitted. International Business Club membership stands at 2,610.