New Zealand, air/6 nights, from $1,499 Nov 11, 2009
Breathtaking and unique, New Zealand is the perfect travel destination ... The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on Air New Zealand to Auckland (returning from Christchurch), three nights at the , three nights at , breakfast daily, a flight between the two cities on Air New Zealand, hotel taxes, and fuel surcharges, from $1,499plus about $99 in airport taxes ... Why it's a deal: We priced this multicity itinerary (L.A. to Auckland, Auckland to Christchurch, Christchurch to L.A.) on Kayak for... (MSNBC -- Travel)
Nazri: It is not a crime to lobby for the appointment of judges Nov 10, 2009
However, on the New Zealand holiday that Lingam and former Chief Justice Tun Eusoff Chin were alleged to have taken together, Nazri said the commission had sufficient cause to investigate. The commission had rejected the explanation of both parties that the holiday trip was a coincidence. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Paris threatens to sue over vacant jibe Nov 8, 2009
Since last year it has been owned by New Zealand millionaire Eric Watson's firm Endeavour Corp.. Allen initially demanded $US10m in damages for the use of his image in breach of his longstanding refusal to endorse commercial interests, but settled with the company out of court in a bid to avoid a potentially embarrassing trial that had been expected to last up to a month. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Organisers hope to tee up Ochoa Nov 7, 2009
The women's tour has a record three tournaments co-sanctioned by the powerful Ladies European Tour - the Women's Australian Open, Ladies Masters and Women's New Zealand Open. After recently rescheduling its dates to avoid clashing with the LPGA Tour, it is hoped Ochoa and possibly American drawcard Michelle Wie will head the Ladies Masters field with defending champion Katherine Hull and former world No.1 Karrie Webb. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Tennis diplomacy on the table in Bali Nov 7, 2009
Playing in January, during Israel's attacks inside Gaza, she faced noisy demonstrations for several days while advancing to the quarterfinal of the year's opening tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. "I'm not the government of Israel and I'm not representing Israel as a politician," she told reporters then. (Asia Times Online)
United States Claims #1 Spot For First Time as World's Top Country Brand Nov 6, 2009
- Canada Holds on to Second Spot and Australia Slips to Number Three - - Global Study Expanded to Cover Regional Rankings Including Asia Pacific, Sub-Sahara Africa and the Americas. This category remains one with tremendous potential not only for tourism but investment, trade and policy. (Canada Newswire)
Somnus-Neu: Grier Govorko's Multimedia Bed Nov 6, 2009
In this age of multitasking, it seemed a little retrograde to New Zealand -- based designer Grier Govorko that a bed should be just a place to sleep. Govorko, who is best known for his concert sets for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, wondered whether a bed could be as productive as a home office or offer a multimedia experience to rival a home theater. (FastCompany)
Identities not a black-and-white issue Nov 6, 2009
But they knew the sacrifices their mother, a schoolteacher, had made, and that is why the two forked out money for a return plane trip and spending money so Karen could watch Brett make his Test debut against New Zealand in London. Unfortunately, she left England on Tuesday, the same day Josh was told he would also receive his first cap, having to return to the NSW South Coast to mark school papers. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Elsom keen to put rocky start to leadership behind him Nov 6, 2009
And the big thing about losing to New Zealand was that we didn't feel that they were 4-0 better than us ... We don't necessarily feel that way about New Zealand, but we haven't been able to knock them off. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Portuguese flavours in PD Nov 5, 2009
The tender cuts of New Zealand Lamb were marinated with a blend of both Western and Eastern spices and then grilled to perfection which made the dish a winner. We finished off the meal with the banana crumble, a welcome treat after the spicy meal. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
2009 MTV Europe Music Awards Fascinating Facts Nov 5, 2009
The oldest Amplichoir singer was an 87 New Zealand man, while the youngest was 2 year old Freya from the UK.. The biggest number of people singing "Lollipop" in one recording was the 4,500 young people gathered together in Argentina. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Landis ascends to 29th in New Zealand road race Nov 5, 2009
Floyd Landis improves to 29th in New Zealand road race - More Sports - SI.com ... Landis improves to 29th in New Zealand road race ... WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- American cyclist Floyd Landis improved six places to 29th overall, more than 12 minutes behind the leader, after the sixth stage on Thursday of the nine-stage Tour of Southland. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Surviving in Hostel Territory Nov 5, 2009
Ohio-based personal chef Beth Mansfield wondered that herself last year during a five-week New Zealand trip that she was able to afford by staying in hostels ... In one surprise I met a group of 60 to 80 year olds who were biking around New Zealand - not the flat part - doing 50 to 70 miles a day. (Fox News)
Paladin's uranium target in doubt Nov 4, 2009
After months of speculation, Royal Dutch Shell finally appears close to selling its downstream oil assets in New Zealand. Infratil and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund consortium have entered exclusive negotiations with Shell over the petrol stations and 17 ... In contrast with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's close scrutiny of the sale of ExxonMobil's Australian service stations to Caltex, this deal is not expected to attract much attention from New Zealand regulators. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Teacher posed nude to 'annoy' porn king boyfriend Nov 4, 2009
New Zealand teacher Rachel Whitwell in a website pose for Australian Penthouse ... But the ploy has backfired badly, with saucy pics of Ms Whitwell frolicking in a spa splashed across New Zealand papers, leaving both her career and her relationship in tatters ... This messy scenario can be explained by the fact that her boyfriend is New Zealand's notorious porn industry king Steve Crow, producer and distributor of X-rated movies. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
* Travel fair closes on a positive note Nov 3, 2009
Working in cooperation with EVA Airways Corp (a), the company offered four direct charter flights with a total seat capacity of 800 for travel to New Zealand in January and February. The direct 11-hour flight saves consumers from transiting via a third destination, the report said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Malaysians train under unfamiliar conditions Nov 3, 2009
Even hosts New Zealand are not here yet as they are playing friendly matches in other locations, he said ... Their other matches are against Wales (Sunday), New Zealand (Nov 10), Scotland (Nov 12) and China (Nov 14) ... Only the match against New Zealand will begin at 6pm. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
New Zealand hails Rings heroes Nov 3, 2009
Director Peter Jackson enjoyed a celebratory homecoming after his Oscar triumph with a civic ceremony in his hometown of Wellington, New Zealand ... The films have had a huge effect on New Zealand's tourism trade, according to figures released earlier this month ... New Zealand's tourism market has grown by 8% to more than 2. (Yahoo News -- Lord of the Rings)
How 00000EDArefugees send us into a frenzy Nov 3, 2009
As for other refugee destinations - New Zealand's hard to reach (long way from anyone who might want to flee someone), Japan is also pretty far from any refugee populations - and all refugees there stand out pretty starkly against the fairly uniform native population. Neither New Zealand nor Japan have huge amounts of room for more people, either. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Interns add a global vibe to Wine Country Nov 2, 2009
The men are from Auckland, New Zealand, where they work at local wineries ... "Wine Country at this time of the year brings new meaning to the notion of a melting pot," says Andrew Barlow, a former intern from New Zealand and now winemaker at La Crema ... Because winter in the Northern Hemisphere is summer in the south, some interns make annual pilgrimages from California to South America, New Zealand or South Africa. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Four Nations index Nov 1, 2009
Sydney Roosters winger Sam Perrett bagged a hat-trick to help New Zealand thrash France 62-12 on Saturday to give the Kiwis their first Four Nations win ... THIS is Benji Marshall's big OE. He's never been beyond New Zealand, Australia and Japan (for a touch world cup, not to be wooed by Japanese rugby), and he's loving it ... ENGLAND, after being forced to come from behind before beating lowly France, look like they are going to be the unfortunate victims of an Australian side keen to put a... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Williams pulls out of MTV awards Oct 31, 2009
Freak snow storm hits New Zealand. Biggest rubber band ball to go on display. (BBC News -- Europe)
Tapping into the power of 1 Oct 31, 2009
The summit saw the gathering of leaders from the 10 Asean countries, namely, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines, and their six dialogue partners from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Leaders involved in the summit have reportedly reached a consensus to move towards greater integration and to raise the role of East Asia on the global stage in terms of economic, social, monetary and financial areas, but... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* World News Quick Take Oct 30, 2009
NEW ZEALAND Minister sculpted in dung. Artist Sam Mahon has sculpted the head of Environment Minister Nick Smith out of cow dung as part of a conservation protest. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Hindmarsh back in Roos overhaul Oct 29, 2009
The fact there have been so many changes following the 20-20 draw with New Zealand means Hindmarsh, who was forced to shelve his own buck's weekend at the Gundagai races in order to tour, will approach the match with England, in Wigan on Saturday (Sunday 1. 30am AEDT), as his last. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Banks are riding high and it's costing all of us Oct 29, 2009
Besides taking into account poor results in its British and New Zealand businesses, its exposure to collateralised debt obligations and its big whack of bad and doubtful debts, it also took some trading risks. For instance, on page 86 of the annual results, in a note on income it mentions that gains less losses on financial instruments at fair value on trading derivatives rose from $254 million in 2008 to $380 million in 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Worst has passed: ANZ Oct 29, 2009
His chief financial officer, Peter Marriott, said there was a shift in the composition of the charges: New Zealand accounts are generating relatively more of them than they were, as the Kiwi economy emerges from a savage downturn. But like NAB, which reported its profit result yesterday, ANZ sees little evidence that the bad debt wave is pushing aggressively into consumer lending in this country. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Royal Caribbean International Takes Delivery of Much Anticipated Oasis Of The Seas Oct 29, 2009
The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go or call (800) 327-2056. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Should lucky-draw schemes to lure buyers be regulated? Oct 27, 2009
Gambling Act 2003 in New Zealand defines Sales Promotion Scheme as a kind of gambling that does not involve a gaming machine but is linked to purchase of certain goods, for a price not exceeding the usual retail price and not requiring the buyer to incur any other direct or indirect costs for participation. Thus, an SMS based draw may not be a valid promotion scheme there. (India Times)
I'm so sick of being sorry Oct 27, 2009
New Zealand must be the sorriest l'il country on Earth ... But even meek New Zealanders are no match for Gordon Brown, who's mainly apologetic about the polls, but took the sorry stakes to a new low last month. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Wielding the whip on asylum seekers Oct 27, 2009
Australia and New Zealand are the only countries in Asia that accept so called refugee/asylum seekers. No other country in Asia accepts illegal immigrants seeking asylum/refugee. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Narrow escape makes England a must-win game Oct 26, 2009
Australia 20 New Zealand 20. As he stood in the in-goal after Kiwi Frank Pritchard had scored with five minutes remaining, Australian captain Darren Lockyer pondered another defeat at the hands of New Zealand in tournament rugby league ... If a draw is like kissing your sister, what does a draw against New Zealand feel like. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Wen plays major role in success of ASEAN-related meetings Oct 26, 2009
The 4th East Asia Summit (EAS) opened here on Sunday, where ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders and their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand met to discuss regional cooperation topics ... The 4th East Asia Summit (EAS) opened here on Sunday, where ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders and their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand met to discuss regional cooperation topics... (Xinhuanet, China)
Wotif expects lift in first half profit Oct 26, 2009
"We are very well positioned to drive demand not only for our Australian and New Zealand suppliers but also for our international suppliers in the 47-plus destinations we offer overseas.". The Australian dollar touched a 14-month high against the US dollar this month and was up about 15 per cent against the American currency since July. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Asian nations jostle for power in EU-style bloc Oct 26, 2009
Russia has meanwhile applied to join the East Asia Summit, this weekend's meeting which groups ASEAN with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. But next month US President Barack Obama will hold the first ever summit with ASEAN leaders, as well as attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Wallet of the future? Your phone Oct 25, 2009
According to the NFC Forum, a New Zealand hotel last month installed locks that are opened with mobile phones. Texting and barcodes. (CNN -- Tech)
19-year-old Norwegian takes Monopoly world title Oct 25, 2009
Bjorn Halvard Knappskog, who graduated this year from the Oslo Private Gymnasium school, captured the title on Thursday when the battleship token of 25-year-old Geoff Christopher of New Zealand landed consecutively on Pacific Avenue and North Carolina Avenue, and he couldn't afford the combined $1,600 rent ... "I didn't see that coming and I don't think New Zealand saw that either.". (Albany Times Union)
Asian leaders give rival visions for economic blocs Oct 25, 2009
" Leaders in the Thai resort of Hua Hin were also due to sign agreements Sunday on boosting integration after the global recession and cooperating on subjects including climate change and disaster management. The summit grouping the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand has been dominated by discussions on greater unity. But it has also been marred by controversy over human rights -- especially in military-ruled... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Sheens won't be cushioning his stars Oct 24, 2009
A slightly tattered 47-year-old cushion represents the ruthlessness Tim Sheens brings to his Four Nations camp, the most obvious example of which is a philosophy that players may be dropped even if the side wins its opening match against New Zealand at The Stoop tomorrow morning (Sydney time) ... Every time you pull the jumper on, you have to perform, and that's the pressure that I want in the team - not playing New Zealand, not playing England, but playing ourselves, playing to keep your spot,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sin bin on tour Oct 24, 2009
The Guardian pronounced that Ben White, not Brett White, was among three rookies named to play New Zealand on Sunday morning (Sydney time). A rookie mistake perhaps. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Scammers jailed for duping Aussie, NZ investors Oct 24, 2009
An American judge has shown little mercy to two scammers by jailing both for more than 20 years for duping almost $A4 million from 475 victims in Australia, New Zealand and the US.. Many of the victims were New Zealand sheep farmers while Darwin residents Tracey and Paul Grist were among the hardest hit, losing $A350,000 ... A third member of the scam, Robert Searles of Tennessee, will be sentenced next month while the fourth, New Zealand fugitive Leslie Davidson, remains on the run, with US... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
East Asian nations to study free trade pact Oct 24, 2009
Now we should explore a feasibility study both in the East Asia Free Trade Area and with (India, Australia and New Zealand)," he said. Asia's quick rebound from the global recession, compared with the United States and other Western economies, has prompted calls for the region to increase integration. Japan's new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has made a proposal for an East Asian community and said in a newspaper interview published on Saturday that it should aspire to lead the world. "It would... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Norwegian teenager banks $20,580 in world Monopoly win Oct 24, 2009
It took him just over 40 minutes to beat the battleship brandished by Geoff Christopher of New Zealand ... After a series of swaps and purchases some of the hundreds of spectators considered risky, Mr Knappskog finally rendered his New Zealand rival bankrupt with a $1,600 rent demand on North Carolina Avenue ... "I thought I'd got myself into a really good position, but the dice didn't really go my way," he told Radio New Zealand. (BBC News -- Europe)
Samoa ready for business, deputy PM says Oct 24, 2009
Mr Telefoni was in Brisbane for a two-day forum about a new trade and economic agreement among Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island nations. 2009 Brought to you by. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Asian nations look to 'lead world' Oct 24, 2009
The summit groups the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with regional partners China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand ... Officials said separately that East Asian nations would carry out a feasibility study for a huge free trade zone covering ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea and a larger group involving India, Australia and New Zealand. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
* ASEAN launches human rights body Oct 24, 2009
ASEAN heads of state will hold talks before wide-ranging meetings with their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand over the weekend. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva opened the summit by defending the new rights body against criticism that it is powerless to rein in members that breach its rules, such as army-ruled Myanmar and communist Vietnam and Laos. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Coles adds bragging rights to sales jump Oct 24, 2009
Elsewhere in the sprawling Wesfarmers conglomerate, the insurance arm was able to achieve modest rate increases in some classes as positive signs for the business emerged in Australia, but New Zealand remained flat. The division, which operates insurance brands such as OAMPS, Lumley and WFI, should benefit from higher investment returns stemming from steeper interest rates while bolt-on acquisitions were being investigated. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Dollar, Kiwi gain on rate-rise speculation Oct 24, 2009
The Australian and New Zealand dollars rose for a third consecutive week on speculation the nations central banks will increase interest rates faster than other developed countries. New Zealands dollar rose 1 ... New Zealands currency was at 75. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Ten taken seriously Oct 23, 2009
Myer starts trading on November 2, and Kathmandu is expected to do so in Australia and New Zealand in mid-November ... Australian retail investors have traditionally held a much higher proportion of equities in their portfolios than fixed income products, whereas in other countries, such as Germany and New Zealand, bonds are more popular. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Asian leaders launch human rights watchdog Oct 23, 2009
Heads of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold talks before wide-ranging meetings with their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand at the weekend. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva opened the summit by defending the new rights body against criticism that it is powerless to rein in members that breach its rules, such as army-ruled Myanmar and communist Vietnam and Laos. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Asian leaders arrive for summit Oct 23, 2009
This weekend's summit of leaders from the 10 South-East Asian member nations will be followed by talks with non-member states, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Toll buys Express Logistics Group for $50m Oct 23, 2009
The Toll Group says it has acquired Express Logistics Group, one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarding companies, for about $50 million. ELG currently operates 12 freight forwarding branches across New Zealand, Australia and the US, and also provides value adding warehouse and transport services to its customers, Toll said in a statement ... ELG is principally focussed on serving the import and export requirements of apparel and footwear retailers in Australia and New Zealand, with the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
ASEAN focuses on rights, trade amid tight security Oct 23, 2009
Embarrassed by protests at past summits, a security force of 18,000 and naval gunships have cordoned off Hua Hin where South East Asian leaders plan a series of meetings, first amongst themselves and later with counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand at the weekend. Six months ago, hundreds of anti-government protesters broke through security barriers at a summit at Thailand's resort town of Pattaya, forcing some Asian leaders to flee by helicopter and... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Asean leaders meet in challenging times Oct 23, 2009
The bloc will then meet with leaders of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Thailand has deployed more than 36,000 military and police both in Bangkok and to guard the seaside summit of Asian leaders, working to prevent any repeat of the disruptions that shut down another meeting earlier this year, an official said Thursday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Foreign hotels jack up star value Oct 23, 2009
IT services major Mahindra Satyam has appointed Bobby Gupta as its new business development chief, overseeing its operations in Australia and New Zealand. ET Debates. (India Times)
Bjørn Halvard Knappskog from Oslo Becomes the First MONOPOLY World Champion from Norway Oct 23, 2009
In the final game, Knappskog played against Richard Marinaccio (United States), Oleg Korostelev (Russia) and Geoff Christopher (New Zealand) ... In the intense final battle between New Zealand and Norway, the final play of the game came down to the Speed Die, which was used for the first time in competition this year ... New Zealand rolled the dice and landed on Pacific Avenue, which had three houses, and also rolled a MR. MONOPOLY on the Speed Die, which automatically landed him on North... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
All about 'The Bachelor' engagement Oct 22, 2009
"The Bachelor"'s Jason Mesnick proposed to Molly Malaney in New Zealand ... He returned to New Zealand where he had first picked Melissa Rycroft on the show's finale, a decision he later dramatically reversed on a subsequent After the Final Rose episode ... A rare alpine parrot, native to New Zealand and infamous for its cheeky attitudes, the kea flew down on the couple's picnic blanket and nibbled on the champagne bottle. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Two menus to tempt diners Oct 22, 2009
The oyster, imported from New Zealand imported, was fresh and juicy ... Then comes the Lamb Cutlet, Mongolian Sauce and Grilled Leek, which, according to Tan, uses New Zealand lamb rack. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Australian Government Pursues Anti-People Smuggling Accord With Indonesia Oct 22, 2009
About 185,500 asylum claims were filed across 38 European countries, the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. The U.S. was the largest recipient, taking 13 percent of all applications during the period, or 23,700 people, the UN refugee agency said. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Asian stocks fall amid China disappointment Oct 22, 2009
94, as expectations strong China data would encourage buying of higher-yielding assets like the Australian and New Zealand currencies failed to materialise. The Aussie dollar briefly slipped on disappointment the China data was not more upbeat, but it quickly recovered. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Massive security at Asian summit in Thailand Oct 22, 2009
The three-day conference includes the annual gathering of the 10-member ASEAN leaders and those of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Barry Humphries is back, minus that woman in his life Oct 21, 2009
Madge, Edna's beige-shaded New Zealand-born bridesmaid, has a seminal role to play in the book. A friend calls New Zealand the Land of the Wrong White Crowd,'' Humphries said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Lifting the Ban Would Do a Rank Disservice Oct 21, 2009
During the week before the dinner, the White House announced that New Zealand would be treated to an openly gay U.S. ambassador. There is no word yet about how New Zealanders expressed their appreciation. (Townhall.com)
Lievremont awaiting Bastareaud apology Oct 20, 2009
France rugby union coach Marc Lievremont is awaiting an apology from centre Mathieu Bastareaud for having lied about an assault while on tour in New Zealand ... "The ideal thing would be for him to talk about it, to say sorry to his team-mates, the staff, New Zealand, that he declares a kind of mea culpa and then it's all settled," Lievremont said ... The chairman of the French rugby federation, Pierre Camou, referred the affair to the body's disciplinary committee after Prime Minister Francois... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
New Zealand hails Rings heroes Oct 20, 2009
Director Peter Jackson enjoyed a celebratory homecoming after his Oscar triumph with a civic ceremony in his hometown of Wellington, New Zealand ... The films have had a huge effect on New Zealand's tourism trade, according to figures released earlier this month ... New Zealand's tourism market has grown by 8% to more than 2. (Yahoo News -- Lord of the Rings)
