Govt approves $6.3m Buy Kiwi Made marketing campaign

The Government has approved a $6.3 million marketing campaign for the Green Party's Buy Kiwi Made initiative.

The money will come from the Government's $11.5 million Buy Kiwi Made programme -- negotiated as part of the Greens' co-operation agreement with Labour.

Green MP Sue Bradford, the spokeswoman for the programme, said Cabinet signed off the marketing campaign this week.

It would start in the second half of this year and would focus on "creating awareness and pride in the quality of New Zealand produced goods".

It would also aim to boost recognition of the "kiwi in a triangle" branding that designated goods as locally made.

A Buy Kiwi Made website was also launched today to provide information on the programme.

Ms Bradford said six regional events would be held in the next two months to showcase local manufacturers.

Meanwhile applications close today for the first of three funding rounds for the programme's regional and sector initiative fund, collectively worth $3 million.

The fund is aimed at supporting regional and sector initiatives that have demonstrated economic merit and are consistent with the programme's objectives.

- NZPA