PARLIAMENT Opposition Critical Of N.Z. Publicity Overseas

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29016, 3 October 1959, Page 16

PARLIAMENT Opposition Critical Of N.Z. Publicity Overseas

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 2. Expenditure on publicity had returned a very doubtful advantage to New Zealand when measured against the success obtained by other countries in the same field, said Mr G. A. Walsh (Opposition, Tauranga) in the House of Representatives today when the vote in the Estimates for the Tourist and Publicity Department was under consideration. Mr Walsh was supported by Mr W. B. Tennent (Opposition, Manawatu) who said that if publicity efforts were directed toward the 20 to 50 age group, and emphasis put on the varied outdoor life which New Zealand had to offer tourists, better results would be achieved.

“We are directing our publicity to the wrong people,” Mr Tennent said.

Mr Tennent said “trail riding” expeditions should be made one of the attractions in the South Island, and “deer camps” should .be established to attract over--seas sportsmen. , Mr D. C. Seath (Opposition, ‘Waitomo) suggested that publicity sent overseas should be brought up-to-date more often. Mr B. E. Taiboys (Opposition. Wallace) said New Zealand was spending a disproportionate amount on advertising and publicity in the United States judging by the return from that expenditure. “We could do better by promoting the tourist trade from Australia.” he said. The Minister in charge of Publicity (Mr Boord) said that if more money was voted for publicity “we could put publicity into every town from Timbuctoo to Edmonton.” Australia had the best tourist potential so far as New Zealand was concerned, although the United States was becoming far more conscious of the tourist attractions of the Pacific. Mr Boord said he agreed that the South Island had some of the most magnificent scenery attractions and the department was doing all it could to publicise them.