Down Under Answers
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2007 News Archives
October 26, 2007
Kiwi Encounter Hatches Milestone 500th Kiwi
Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua is today celebrating the safe arrival of the 500th Kiwi hatched there since they commenced participation in the kiwi recovery programme in 1995/6.
“Rimarau” (500 in Maori) hatched at 4.22pm today weighing a healthy 344.9 grams. The Kiwi Encounter kiwi husbandry team, customer service staff and some very lucky visitors from Germany and England were on hand to watch Rimarau’s entry into the world and commented on how well the kiwi adapted to the additional attention it was receiving. “The team here at Kiwi Encounter has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 500th chick with countdown badges being worn since there were 24 to go at the beginning of the season, generating a lot of public interest in the hatch,“ commented Kiwi Husbandry Manager, Claire Travers.
This special kiwi hails from Taranaki and will be re-released back into the wild when it reaches its goal weight of approximately one kilogram in weight. It is not yet known whether the kiwi is male or female as its feathers need to be sent away for DNA testing to determine its gender.
Kiwi Encounter staff are delighted to reach this important milestone of 500 kiwi hatches, as they dedicate their lives to saving our national icon and every kiwi hatched in captivity means a greater chance of survival when it’s released back into the wild. “The average survival rate for a kiwi hatched in the wild is only about 6%, whereas it’s around 65-70% through the kiwi recovery programme,“ explains Travers. “Every kiwi we release back into the wild helps improve the chances of us being able to slow the decline of the kiwi population which is under immense threat from loss of habitat and predators.“ Last season Kiwi Encounter released 116 kiwi chicks back into the wild of the 162 released nationwide.
Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua is unlike any other “attraction” you may have visited. It is a unique conservation centre which gives visitors the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at kiwi “conservation in action” for the first time in New Zealand. For those who want to support the National Kiwi Trust at Kiwi Encounter, sponsorship options start at $NZ50. http://www.kiwiencounter.co.nz. The National Kiwi Trust is supported by major sponsors Intercity Group, More FM and Environment Bay of Plenty.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Michelle Caldwell
Marketing Manager
Rainbow Springs Ltd
Email:
Mobile: +64 21 989807
http://www.rainbowsprings.co.nz
Media Kit available including photos
July 24, 2007
The World’s Best Inflight Entertainment on Qantas Airbus A380
SYDNEY: Qantas today revealed the next generation inflight entertainment system to be installed onboard its new Airbus A380 aircraft, being delivered from August 2008.
Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the technologically advanced system, manufactured by Panasonic Avionics Corporation, would offer customers greater choice, wireless connectivity and in-seat access to email and the internet.
“There has never been anything like this onboard a commercial aircraft,” Mr Borghetti said.
He said wide screen digital monitors in all cabins and a state-of-the-art graphic user interface would allow passengers to easily navigate through a vast range of entertainment options, including on-demand video and audio programs and games.
“We have gone beyond the traditional movie and audio options to include Lonely Planet destination information, language tutorials, audio books, Deloitte business courses and PC style games.
“Customers in all classes will also be able to stay connected with in seat email and internet access or using their personal laptops to connect to a wireless network,” Mr Borghetti said.
July 24, 2007
Qantas - A New Domestic Experience
SYDNEY: Qantas said today it would introduce new, dedicated domestic Business class lounges at its key business airports – Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – by mid-2008.
Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the new domestic Business lounges would offer a superior range of services to Business class travellers as well as top tier Qantas and oneworld Frequent Flyers.
“They will offer a range of services unmatched by competitors in the domestic market, with a more spacious layout, more private seating
arrangements, a wider selection of hot food and enhanced business services such as more private work suites and complimentary wireless internet access,” Mr Borghetti said.
July 24, 2007
Qantas Launches Premium Economy Cabin
SYDNEY: Qantas today revealed the new Premium Economy cabin and seating to be offered progressively on its international Boeing 747-400 aircraft from February 2008 and on its fleet of new A380 being delivered from August 2008.
“The Premium Economy seat was designed by Marc Newson – the designer of our award winning Skybed sleeper seat – and manufactured by Recaro, which makes seats for luxury auto brands such as Aston Martin, Audi and Porsche,” Mr Borghetti said.
“The seats offer extra width and recline, more legroom, and an in-arm digital wide screen television monitor, as well as laptop power connection.
“Premium Economy will also include a self-service bar offering a selection of refreshments throughout the flight, in addition to the regular choice of meals designed by Neil Perry’s Rockpool Group, premium wines, superior tableware and soft furnishings.”
“Premium Economy customers will also have a dedicated check-in area,” Mr Borghetti said.
He said the Premium Economy cabin would be available gradually on B747 services to London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg from February 2008 with further routes being added following the introduction of A380 aircraft.
Premium Economy will be located on the main deck of B747 aircraft with 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration. On the A380, the cabin will be located on the upper deck with 32 seats in a two-three-two configuration.
May 08, 2007
Current Bid for Qantas Purchase Will Not Proceed
News from Qantas: SYDNEY
The Board of Qantas Airways acknowledged Airline Partners Australia’s (APA) statement that its current bid for Qantas would not proceed. As a result, Qantas will lift the trading halt on its shares.
The Chairman of Qantas, Ms Margaret Jackson, said today that APA’s bid had failed and the Board and management would move forward. Ms Jackson said the Board and senior management wanted to make it clear that APA’s $5.45 offer could not be renewed, and any future offer would be
treated as a completely new matter.
“This has been an extremely difficult process since the Board decided to recommend APA’s bid to shareholders.”
Ms Jackson said the foremost priority of the Board and management now was the continuing successful operation of the company. She said continuity and stability were vital.
“The Board will meet again today and will also be meeting in the near future to discuss management’s three-year plan and strategies for growth.”
Further information: Qantas shares have been released from the offer accepted sub-position and are available to be traded. Qantas is undertaking a formal reconciliation of its foreign ownership, however in view of the heavy trading in Qantas shares this has been more difficult than usual. The process is being accelerated and Qantas will advise the market as necessary.
April 30, 2007
Down Under Answers Wins Tourism New Zealand’s Supreme Award…and more!
LOS ANGELES, CA
Press release from Tourism New Zealand:
Seattle-based Down Under Answers received the top award at this year’s New Zealand Tourism awards on Saturday April 28 at the LAX Hilton. Down Under Answers President, Kirk Demeter was at the ceremony to receive the coveted Supreme award, recognizing his company’s excellent overall performance and contribution to New Zealand tourism. The wholesaler also walked away with the Best New Zealand Online Content and Wholesaler of the Year Award (as voted by the Kiwi Specialist Travel Agents).
“Down Under Answers continues to set the standard for the presentation and marketing of New Zealand”, says George Hickton, CEO of Tourism New Zealand. “Congratulations for winning the Supreme award for the second successive year, a truly impressive performance. It is also evident that DUA provide exceptional levels of service to their retail partners.”
April 25, 2007
World Class Luxury Resort to Open on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef
An exclusive world class luxury resort will open on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef at the end of August this year - 2007. To be named Qualia, the resort is an important addition to the premium end of the Australian accommodation market and will provide a new reason for international travelers to consider Australia for their next luxury getaway.
Only two to three hours non-stop flight time from Australia’s major east coast cities, Qualia is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northernmost point of the island and marks the latest commitment by owners, Bob Oatley and his family, to the revitalisation of this stunning Whitsundays destination.
In announcing the Resort, Bob and Sandy Oatley commented “Australia needs a new luxury resort of the highest quality to maintain this country’s competitive position in the international marketplace. Qualia will offer a distinctively Australian experience with the outstanding facilities and uncompromising service that guests expect from a premium five star resort -Australia’s highest official ranking. We are proud to say that the attention to detail in the design and construction and the scale and quality of the gardens, pools and public areas has never been seen before in this country.”
“We firmly believe the tranquil surroundings of the destination will be an opportunity for our guests – adults 18 years and over – to escape from their stressful everyday lives for a holiday and participate in some of the amazing tours that are being designed to take advantage of our location in one of the world’s most sought after destinations,“ they continued.
Qualia features 60 elegant private one bedroom pavilions accessible only to the Resort’s guests with interiors including purpose built hand crafted furniture by renowned designers, Freedman Rembel.
Each pavilion has been carefully designed by Australian architect Chris Beckingham to blend into the natural environment giving the Resort an unusual sense of space and harmony. The “Windward” Pavilions include their own plunge-pools and are over four times the size of an average hotel room. The “Leeward” Pavilions also will delight guests with their sense of space and meticulous design features.
March 25, 2007
MAST Honors Down Under Answers with “Best Reservations Department”
MAST presented more than 80 awards in six categories to nearly 50 member agencies and sponsors at the MAST Awards Night, held earlier this week. MAST’s highest sales award, the All Star Award was presented to 25 agencies for their 2006 preferred supplier sales.
MAST Travel Network, also known as MAST Vacation Partners, is the Midwest’s premier travel agency consortium and marketing network.
March 13, 2007
Qantas Flight Crew to Participate in Airbus A380 Test
Qantas Airways will play a major role in the historic first test flight in the US of the world’s largest passenger plane.
An Airbus A380 with Qantas flight crew aboard is scheduled to land at Los Angeles International Airport on March 19 in front of an expected crowd of 100,000 aviation enthusiasts.
February 23, 2007
Mirvac Hotels & Resorts Acquires Carlton Crest Chain in Australia
Mirvac Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its property portfolio with the acquisition of Carlton Crest’s Australian hotels in Brisbane, Sydney, Parramatta and Melbourne which will become part of the Mirvac group from 23 February 2007. The newly acquired 4 1⁄2 and 4 star properties will be re-branded under The Sebel and Citigate brands and will undergo an extensive refurbishment program bringing them in line with Mirvac’s range of brands.
January 30, 2007
BMW “Drive to Care” Sweepstakes Winner Announced
CONGRATULATIONS to Jeff and Cara Anthony of Redmond, Washington. By test driving a new Puget Sound BMW, Jeff and Cara won an 8-day trip for 2 to New Zealand through Sound BMW, Down Under Answers and Air New Zealand! They will fly Air New Zealand Business Premier Class, stay at the luxurious SkyCity Grand Hotel in Auckland, and tour New Zealand’s diverse scenery with the freedom of their own Budget rental car. Enjoy!