Tony Blair coming to NZ on speaking tour

MELBOURNE - In a world where time is money, former British prime minister Tony Blair is a man for whom the clock is always ticking.

Mr Blair makes his first speaking tour of Australia and New Zealand later this year, a five-venue, three-day spin during which he will introduce his "unique insights and experiences" to corporate figures, 500 at a time at $1000 a head.

One of the more prolific performers on a speaking circuit, whose members include an illustrious collection of former political and business leaders as well as his wife Cherie, Mr Blair is being billed as "the politician who defines our times".

"One of the most engaging, respected and in-demand speakers of his generation," according to the tour's promoter, Max Markson.

Having exerted considerable influence on world affairs during his 10 years in office, Mr Blair continues to play a prominent role in such issues as the Middle East peace process, African governance and climate change.

Mr Blair will no doubt justify his share of the anticipated $2.5 million his tour will net, but he may have to work hard during his appearances in Sydney, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth to overshadow the memory of an earlier trip made by his wife.

Cherie Blair commanded a mere $195 a head for her tour in 2005 to raise funds for the Children's Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA).

But almost from the time it began it became mired in controversy with revelations she would be receiving more than the charity.

After the Melbourne dinner which generated $192,000, the CCIA received $16,000 with Mrs Blair's cut being some $40,000, according to an investigation by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).

The rest went on the cost of the dinner with something for the organiser, Mr Markson.

Mrs Blair went on to earn around $250,000 for the entire trip.

Mr Markson pointed out at the time that the process had been entirely transparent and that he had co-operated with the CAV investigation.

But Mrs Blair, who is also a prominent Queen's Counsel, compounded the episode in her memoirs published in 2008, in which she admitted her speaking engagements had proved "disastrous from a PR point of view, particularly the series I did in Australia".

She went on to say that the Australian tour had, however, earned $840,000 for CCIA.

But the charity's annual report contradicted the memoirs, claiming the amount was $251,000.

Confronted by the discrepancy, Mrs Blair's minders said a typographical error had been made in the book, promising to correct it in future editions.

It proved one of a number of notable gaffes concerning Mrs Blair and Australia.

In December 2002 she became involved with Australian conman Peter Foster in a questionable scheme to purchase property in Britain.

The following year in Melbourne, when invited by supermarket staff to help herself to a few souvenirs, she proceeded to fill five boxes with 68 items.

A Downing St spokesperson said she later repaid around £2000 (A$3,199).

Mr Markson, who has brought to Australia such luminaries as Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton and former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, said he was expecting Mr Blair's trip to run more smoothly than his wife's.

"It'll definitely be less controversial than hers," he said.

And more profitable.

- AAP