The New Zealand Olympic Committee has launched Kiwi House in London and confirmed internationally renowned New Zealand chef, Peter Gordon, will be the inspiration behind the menu. The announcement was made as the New Zealand Olympic Committee marks one month to the Olympic Games today.
Kiwi House will open just ahead of the Opening Ceremony on 27 July and will showcase the very best of New Zealand food, beverage, entertainment and sport. The venue, located in the heart of Kings Cross, will be a haven for friends and supporters of the New Zealand team and international visitors alike.
New Zealand athletes will stop by to show off their medals at lunchtimes and, in the evenings, visitors can enjoy Kiwi entertainment from well-known New Zealand acts including stand-up Jarred Christmas, singer/songwriter Hollie Smith and musician Tim Walker, son of Olympic legend Sir John Walker.
New Zealands Kiwi House will be the only location in the UK to air the New Zealand Olympic broadcast from SKY. On the menu at Kiwi House will be the infamous flat white from Allpress Espresso and a classic barbeque designed by Peter Gordon, in conjunction with BaxterStorey caterers.
Especially imported Moa beer will be on tap and New Zealand wine available. Kiwi House will host its own Opening and Closing Ceremony parties, too.
National Houses are an integral and historic part of the Olympic Games and serve as valuable tourism and investment hubs as well as a place for friends and fans to gather.
Kiwi House is centrally located at the heart of the Olympic transport system near St Pancras/Kings Cross Station, just five minutes walk from the Javelin high speed train that takes passengers direct to Olympic Park. The venue capacity is 500 and tickets will be limited.
Tickets go on sale today including the Kiwi House Gold Pass and special event tickets. The Kiwi House Gold Pass ensures priority entry for pass holders and is available for purchase from www.nz2012.com for 50 for the duration of Kiwi House.
Visitors without a Kiwi House Gold Pass will pay GBP5.00 for standard entry.
Prices for special events, including Hollie Smith, Jarred Christmas and the Opening and Closing Party, vary.
Kiwi House is funded from three sources including New Zealand Olympic Committee seed funding, event ticket sales and Kiwi House sponsors and partners including Kent Gardner, David Richwhite, Kiwi Project Services, MOA Beer, NZ Bloodstock, Rodd and Gunn and Peter Gordon and Kopapa Restaurant. The Maori Tourism Authority and its Kia Ora campaign is the sole government partner of Kiwi House to date.
Support of the expat community has played a significant role in the provision of additional goods and services.
Kiwi House is being produced and promoted by Lily & Piper; a London-based integrated events agency (http://www.lilyandpiper.com). Further sponsor and partner opportunities are available remain for those wishing to support Kiwi House in London. In addition Lily & Piper is running a volunteers workshop for Kiwi expatriates in London interested in supporting Kiwi House.
