Steelbro Container Handling Solutions Conference

Tuesday 4 October 2005

Welcome to Christchurch, and a very special welcome to visitors from overseas, especially those who are in New Zealand for the first time. As a city we are proud of our history and Steelbro has been an integral part of that history since 1878. Steelbro has invested in its business and prospered and provided many jobs for our citizens. I applaud your commitment to the city.

If there is any city in New Zealand that realises the importance of exporting, it is Christchurch.

From the first shipments of frozen lamb long ago, through to the high end software of today, we have always been a trading city.

We are New Zealand's high tech capital, we are also a city with a long tradition of manufacturing excellence. 

Steelbro is part of our manufacturing excellence as a leader in the global market for purpose built semi-trailer chassis that are known as Sidelifters.

We have strong rural ties with our abundant and productive province of Canterbury.

Christchurch is a major South Island tourism destination. I hope you take the time during your stay to sample some of our wonderful attractions.

We are, in short, a mixed economy where exporting is a crucial part of our success story.

Congratulations Steelbro, for your part in the success story of Christchurch and Canterbury.

I hope you have a great conference and a very productive visit to Christchurch.