Wave ski exporter praised by M.P.

Press, 28 December 1988, Page 16

Wave ski exporter praised by M.P.

A Woolston-based wave ski designer and manufactuer which is exporting to Europe has won praise from the member of Parliament for Lyttelton, Dr Peter Simpson. He said that over the last year Glasspro Fibreglass had successfully created a market in Britain, France, Holland and Eire for its “Tsunami” wave ski. The international markets had earned the company export sales of more than $lOO,OOO. Last January, Glasspro Fibreglass was approved financial assistance by the New Zealand Trade Development Board under its individual exporter programme to help it begin export activities.

The company’s owner and managing director, Mr Nick Williams, believes there is the potential for wave surfing to become as popular a water sport as windsurfing. He estimates that internationally the sport’s participants are increasing 40 to 50 per cent each year.

Dr Simpson said he would like to see more firms within his electorate take advantage of export assistance which organisations such as the Trade Development Board could provide. Within the greater Christchurch region more than 220 companies have received assistance under the individual exporter programme.