Australian origins

Press, 26 February 1987, Page 31

Australian origins

The “Personal Investment” magazine in Australia started the “Money Show” in Melbourne “12 shows ago,” says managing editor Ross Greenwood, to give the public an investment forum. The New Zealand "Money Show” series started in Auckland in 1985. “It’s an investment supermarket” he elaborates “where people can find out about what’s on offer before they invest.”

“People who haven’t been to a money show sometimes say it’s going to be boring. In fact it’s educational in the widest sense and usually provides a sizeable self-in-terest factor. Nobody is bored.”

“We actually started the money show at the suggestion of one of our readers who found it hard to approach sharebrokers and even his bank manger. He wanted to sample before he committed himself to a particular investment direction.

“10,000 people came through the Auckland show last year, and for many of them it was the second time.”

What changes had taken place since those early shows? — “We’ve refined our approach of course, but the biggest change has been to the investing public. They’re much better educated about the products, which is down to the shows themselves and the media.” Did he see a difference in the reaction of the audience in New Zealand from that of Australia? — “Yes, the Kiwi has a bit more of the speculative mentality, but in fact you don’t have to gamble to invest.

“I think people in Australia felt more like that some three years ago. But attitudes have changed there.”