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Rugby World Cup merchandise - Source: ONE News -
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A Close Up investigation has revealed many Kiwi souvenirs, including official Rugby World Cup merchandise, are not really Kiwi at all.
Close Up reporter Kate Lynch found about half of items in souvenir shops were made in Asia, largely in China. That includes one New Zealand's most iconic souvenirs, the Buzzy Bee.
Lynch also found most of the All Blacks World Cup memorabilia is not made in New Zealand - it's made in China.
"If you are coming here to the Rugby World Cup and you go to buy an All Blacks cap, an All Blacks shirt and an All Blacks scarf ... none of these officially sanctioned items are made in New Zealand," Lynch said.
"And in the scout around that we've done of a lot of souvenir stores in the last couple of weeks, I was surprised at how many other 'New Zealand' items are actually not made in New Zealand."
Lynch said her investigation has found many of those 'New Zealand' items are also poor quality, which she says is a concern when tourists are purchasing mementoes of their trip.
She said with the Rugby World Cup coming up, there would be huge benefits if 'New Zealand' items were actually made in New Zealand.
"One of the main selling points of this Rugby World Cup has been its economic benefits. Wouldn't it be amazing if every single one of those 95,000 people came here and bought something that was made in New Zealand," Lynch said.
"Imagine what it would do for our economy."
Mike Geers owns Art By the Sea in Devonport on Auckland's North Shore, which only stocks products that are 100% made by New Zealanders. He says foreign-made souvenirs are "dumbing down our culture".
"People specifically want something that they think is unique and one off and something that has come from the country of origin," Geers told Close Up.
"If they later on find out that it wasn't actually made in New Zealand, it was made in another country, that will give them a bad impression of New Zealand."
Geers believes cheap imports are also destroying New Zealand's economy
"By stocking these cheaper versions what are they [souvenir shops] doing? They're preventing people who do make the real items from being able to stay in business," he said.
Close Up is running a series of 'Made in NZ - Really?' stories this week and will highlight 'patriotic looking products' that aren't made in NZ. It's on the hunt for local businesses determined to keep jobs in the country and wants people's input - email closeup@tvnz.co.nz
What do you think? Is it reasonable to expect Kiwi souvenirs be made in New Zealand, or is 'Made in New Zealand' from a bygone era? Have your say on the messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commenthazeleldridge said on 2011-07-01 @ 11:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
I work in a Tourist shop and have to say that Yes a lot of the products are owned and designed by New Zealand companies, but sent over seas to be made! The cost having items made in NZ is expensive and if they were made here, then the cost on the shelves would be Huge! We actually do sell items that are made here in New Zealand and they are expensive and hardly sell. Customers comment on these NZ made items as why are they so expensive? And, 'Gee im not paying that price. Its ridiculous!'
Alby said on 2011-06-29 @ 06:56 NZDT: Report abusive post
we need the work in this country, chinese crap is just that. the way it's going, we'll have to go to china to get a job. come on government, WAKE UP!!! you're selling the country down the drain. IDIOTS!
peterjthomas said on 2011-06-27 @ 22:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
Shock discovery...barely. The impact of overseas manufacturing has been on our doorstep for a number of years now & I can't see why RWC would invoke any more passionate feelings about it versus Canterbury, Swandri, or NZ Rail. Reality is, as a nation we have embraced overseas manufacturing & paid the price. Local operations have closed down as a result of this. Our government continues to endorse it & offers advise on its Internet for companies to take up overseas manufacturing-> Cake & eat it
smElton said on 2011-06-27 @ 20:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
These products never say they are made here. plus everything is, its the only way to turn a profit
smElton said on 2011-06-27 @ 20:23 NZDT: Report abusive post
Wow what a deep investigation, did ya find out that everything is made in china? its still profits NZ and Rugby. well done Close-up, if things were made here we wouldnt be able to export, it would cost to much