New Zealand: Sooner than Apopo

• Share

(2 of 2)

No one in New Zealand is working harder to make matters easier for tourists than Sir Robert Kerridge, an Auckland businessman who bought his first movie theater at 17, now runs 130 of them in a $28 million complex that also includes shipping, real estate, photographic and finance companies. Kerridge is convinced that changes in the blue laws and bolder private enterprise could eventually raise New Zealand's tourist business to $300 million, is conducting a one-man campaign to make New Zealand realize this potential. Putting his money where his mouth is, he has bought 63-acre Pakatoa Island near Auckland, is erecting a $4,500,000 resort for 200 guests, who will be ferried from the mainland by hydrofoil. "Natural charm provides only half the attraction," says Kerridge. "The New Zealander's friendliness must provide the rest." At his private resort, the blue laws will not prevail, and no one will be cut off at 6.