Bill Clinton handshakes won't come cheap for locals

Former American president Bill Clinton will press the flesh and be photographed with New Zealand businessmen next month - but they will have to dig deep for the privilege.

Mr Clinton and three other high level businessmen touted as "some of the world's most influential thinkers," will be in Auckland for one-day business forum next month.

A single ticket will cost $2400 but that price reduces to $1895 if it is bought before January 31.

However, private meetings with Mr Clinton will cost a lot more.

A small group can book an hour with the former president for $5000 (excluding GST) a head and for that they will get a handshake and a photograph and a chance to mingle with the only Democratic president the win two terms in the last 60 years.

Larger group bookings of about 50 people will cost up to $150,000.

The three other speakers lined up are: Michael Eisner, the chief executive of Walt Disney from 1984 to 2005; Carly Fiorina, the chief executive of Hewlett Packard from 1999 to 2005; and Jack Perkowski, the founder and chief executive of Asimco Technologies, the most successful western business in China.

The forum will be held at the conference at the SkyCity Convention Centre on February 24.

All four speakers will be available after addressing the forum for a moderated question and answer session.

Mr Clinton will speak at Global Business Forums in Sydney and Melbourne before heading to New Zealand.

- NZPA