Irish PM's visit to NZ marks boost for film industry

Irish Prime Minister Mary McAleese is expected to visit Queenstown this week as she makes her first state visit to New Zealand but it appears the stop is not part of her formal duties.

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that Ms McAleese would be in the country to meet her and also said that a film co-production agreement with Ireland would be signed.

The Irish Prime Minister would attend a lunch for the Ireland Fund/Antarctic Heritage Trust.

Ms McAleese also has plans to travel to Dunedin to be awarded an honorary degree by Otago University.

A Department of Internal Affairs Ceremonial office spokesman yesterday declined to talk about Ms McAleese's expected visit to Queenstown.

Asked if it was true the Prime Minister would visit Queenstown, the spokesman said: "I do not want to comment."

Asked if Ms McAleese would not visit Queenstown, the spokesman said: "No comment".

However, The Southland Times understands that Ms McAleese will arrive in Queenstown on Wednesday and stay at the Sofitel, and police have made some arrangements for her stay.

Both the Irish Examiner and the Irish Word news reports on the Prime Minister's visit to New Zealand had Queenstown included in her proposed itinerary.

If a film agreement is signed between New Zealand and Ireland it could have spinoffs for the Lakes District, as the area has a growing profile in the film industry as a location ground.

Films include The Lord of the Rings, Mee Shee: The Water Giant and Because of Love.

- © Fairfax NZ News