New speakers in Aspiring Conversations - Jim Bolger and George Fergusson

We are pleased to announce two significant new additions to the Aspiring Conversations programme – former New Zealand prime minister Jim Bolger and British High Commissioner George Fergusson.

Both talks are on Saturday 2 May at the Infinity Crystal Palace

1.30pm Jim Bolger - New Zealand and its position in the world after global economic meltdown Jim Bolger entered politics in 1972 and represented the King Country until his retirement in 1998. Three days after being sworn in as Prime Minister in 1990, Bolger's government was forced to bail out the Bank of New Zealand. His government introduced MMP, a New Zealand Honours system, and settled three major Treaty claims. He was replaced as Prime Minister by Jenny Shipley in a 1997 coup. Jim Bolger was subsequently appointed as Ambassador to the USA. On his return in 2001, he became Chairman of NZ Post and Kiwibank. He also chairs a number of other companies, both in New Zealand and in the States, and in 2007 was elected Chancellor of Waikato University.

3.00pm George Fergusson - New Zealand and the UK in the 21st century George Fergusson was appointed British High Commissioner to New Zealand in 2006 but he first came here in 1962 at the age of seven when his father was Governor-General. He will discuss the relationship between New Zealand and the UK in the 21st Century, how it has evolved and where he perceives the future lies. “The links between Britain and New Zealand - Aotearoa - are always changing but stay very close,” he said. “The relationship has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

Tickets are available now from the iSITE log cabin in Wanaka, by phone on (03) 443 4178 or via www.festivalofcolour.co.nz Both sessions are $10 for advance sales or $5 on the door.

The next Festival of Colour takes place on 28 April to 3 May 2009 and is generously supported by Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust of Otago, Creative New Zealand, Infinity Investment Group, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Aurora.