Bay firms drag the chain over World Cup

Companies in the Western Bay have been slow in coming forward to host international businesspeople over here in September and October for the Rugby World Cup.
Sandra Kai Fong, who is organising the Business Club for the Bay of Plenty, said the World Cup was the perfect chance to develop contacts and business opportunities.
"Some people are slow to realise we are not far out from the Rugby World Cup," said Rotorua-based Ms Kai Fong.
She said the Rotorua business community had hit the target of organising 20 hosted events, Whakatane businesses had signed up for six events, Kawerau three, including pulp and paper mill tours, but the arrangements in Tauranga were light.
"I'm sure there are exporting companies, for instance, who are looking for new markets and to tell their stories to international visitors."
So far, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby had agreed to host a morning tea for overseas people, particularly visiting local body politicians. Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, Priority One and Export NZ Bay of Plenty will be jointly hosting a beach barbecue at Mount Maunganui.
Ms Kai Fong is hoping a cluster of Katikati businesses will participate with orchard tours and food and wine sampling.
Te Puna Rugby Club wants to host French visitors at its marae.
A group of about 1600 French rugby supporters will be using Tauranga as a base for three weeks from late September and among them will be a range of businesspeople.
Local businesses can register on www.nz2011.govt.nz, stating their industry sector and the areas in which they are interested in making connections with international visitors.
Membership of the Business Club is free.
The government-funded New Zealand 2011 Office will then match the interests with businesspeople coming to the world cup and send invitations to them via its website for the hosted events.
Asked if the lack of interest in Tauranga is associated with having no games here, Ms Kai Fong said "people will come to the city; yes, there is an opportunity for you."
She predicted that during the Rugby World Cup up to 23,000 free independent travellers (FITs) would visit the Bay of Plenty.