[ Return ]

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
13 October 2009

News release - Canterbury business leaders to hear 'candid' report from Finance Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon Bill English will brief an audience of Canterbury business leaders on the state of the economy 12 months after the election at the Duncan Cotterill business lunch later this month.

Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend will host the charity event to raise funds for the prevention of child abuse. He says the Deputy Prime Minister's account of his challenging first year as steward of the nation's finances will make for a compelling occasion.

"Taking over New Zealand's economy just as the world entered its most turbulent financial period for seven decades was described at the time by many commentators as a 'hospital pass.' It will be intriguing to hear Mr English's candid account of the economic challenges the government has faced since then, how effectively he believes those challenges have been met, and what he sees developing in the future.

"While the Canterbury business community will give him a sympathetic ear, I'm sure they can expect a robust appraisal from the Minister in what promises to be an informative afternoon," he said.

The Duncan Cotterill business lunch, organised by the Family Help Trust, is on Friday23 October at the Christchurch Convention Centre. Organisers said tickets are selling well but tables are still available via the Family Help Trust on 365 9912 or through the web: www.familyhelptrust.org.nz

Further information:
Peter Townsend
03 353 0305/0274 478 757

Judith Miller
03 323 9914/021 048 5698

Rob Smith
Convergence Communications & Marketing Ltd
PO Box 125, Christchurch 8140
6a, Sixth Floor, 160 Manchester St, Christchurch 8011
P.+64 3 365 0081 F.+64 3 365 0084 M.+64 21 764 996 W. conv.co.nz