Millions visit NZ pavilion at World Expo

Four million people visited the New Zealand pavilion at the World Expo at Aichi, in Japan, with a rush of 35,000 visitors on closing day over the weekend.

New Zealand commissioner-general at the expo, Phillip Gibson, said yesterday the Government's investment in the project was $8.5 million and a conservative estimate of the value of media coverage achieved was probably double that figure.

He said Japanese newspapers and magazines ran 1400 articles on New Zealand, its pavilion and the New Zealand groups and individuals who performed at the expo.

"Television coverage, often reaching audiences of 20 million people, was extensive, as was the coverage on local and national radio," Mr Gibson said.

Organisers forecast 15 million expo visitors, but 22 million attended.

- NZPA