Major Japanese corporations invest in BMW NZ Open

Golf was high on the agenda at the meeting today (Wednesday November 26) of the Japan New Zealand Business Council in Christchurch.

It was announced that a number of high-end Japanese corporations will be involved in the sponsorship of the 2015 BMW New Zealand Open, being held at The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from March 12-15 2015.

Formed in 1974, the joint council’s aims are to provide a forum for business leaders from both countries to foster and develop long-term economic and trade relations. Tourism and major events was a major focus of the meeting, chaired by Tourism New Zealand board member Norm Thompson.

Next year’s BMW New Zealand Open marks the second year in succession that the Japanese Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) will partner with the tournament, bringing 15 leading JGTO players to the event.

The presence of these world-class players at New Zealand’s premier golf event has helped draw in high level support from some of the largest and most influential Japanese companies in the world.

Mr Thompson, a member of the organising committee of the BMW New Zealand Open, announced new major sponsor Oji Holdings, one of the largest pulp and paper producers in Japan and the owner of Pan Pac Forest Products Limited, a fully integrated forestry and timber products company in Hawkes Bay and will be completing the acquisition of Carter Holt Harvey Pulp and Paper soon, which is one of large companies in NZ.

Oji Holdings Corporation, chairman Mr Shinoda said the company was delighted to sponsor the BMW New Zealand Open. "As a company that nurtures lasting relationships with New Zealand business, we are delighted to be sponsoring one of the country's most prestigious sporting events," he said.

Also announced as a sponsor today was leading timber and building materials trading company Sumitomo Forestry, owner of Nelson Pine Industries Ltd, one of the world’s largest single site producers of medium density fibreboard.

Sumitomo Forestry President Akira Ichikawa said the company’s sponsorship support formed part of a long-term alliance with New Zealand business.

"The tournament’s commitment to bringing top Japanese players to the BMW New Zealand Open continues to align our two countries in business and sport at the very highest levels," he said.

Thompson also announced that JTB, the Japan travel specialist company, will once again be a supporting sponsor of the tournament as will Furuuchi Kamejiro Shoten - a company owned by Mr. Furuuchi who is the only Japanese member of The Hills golf club.

Queenstown’s five-star Millbrook Resort, which is co-hosting the BMW New Zealand Open alongside The Hills golf course, will further support the event by providing accommodation for Japanese players competing in the tournament.

Tournament Chairman John Hart thanked the Japanese sponsors and Millbrook for their support of the tournament and welcomed the "substantial" economic benefits to the BMW New Zealand Open as a result of Japanese business investment.

"The support we have had from major corporations like Oji Holdings and Sumitomo Forestry is testament to the work we have done in producing an event that is not only now one of New Zealand’s major sporting events, but also continues to build bridges between New Zealand and Japan, across many levels. We are extremely grateful to these companies for the support they have shown us."

"When one considers that the tournament now has significant Japan-based sponsorship support from Oji Holdings, Sumitomo Forestry, JTB and Furuuchi Kamejiro Shoten, as well as supplier support from other Japanese owned New Zealand based subsidiary companies Asahi Beer and Frucor, there is clear evidence that we are starting to make important progress in a market that has such close commercial, sporting and cultural ties to New Zealand."

Mr Hart said the Japanese sponsorships perfectly complemented the added-value that extended live TV coverage would bring to New Zealand.

"The tournament will be broadcast live in New Zealand by Sky Television and also in Japan to eight million homes via the (Japan) Golf Network," he said.

"Not only does this enable viewers in Japan to be part of the action from the comfort of their own homes, but it will showcase New Zealand and Queenstown at its very best.

"Our scenery is second-to-none in the world and our proven track record of hosting first-class international events will be on show for all to see to support the continued growth of the event."

Tickets to the 2015 BMW New Zealand Open are on sale via the website http://www.bmwnzopen.com/tickets.html or at Ticketek www.ticketek.co.nz