(VNF) - On June 6th, New Zealand Minister for Economic Development, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment and Science and Innovation, the Honourable Steven Joyce, announced Nguyen Huy Cuong as the winner of the “New Zealand, New Horizon 2016” competition, awarding him a week-long trip for two to New Zealand.

The Minister made the announcement at an awarding ceremony in Ho Chi Minh city organised by the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam.

“I have never been to New Zealand but friends I’ve spoken that have been have told me that it is 'beyond expectation'. I put a lot of effort in to coming up with my poster and slogan, hoping to be lucky enough to win this prize and have the opportunity to visit this magical place. I am so happy,” shared Mr. Nguyen Huy Cuong.

As part of the Embassy’s activities to increase interest and knowledge about New Zealand tourism in the lead up to the commencement of direct flights by Air New Zealand between Ho Chi Minh city and Auckland on June 4th, 2016, over 700 submissions were sent to the third edition of the “New Zealand, New Horizon”.

“We really wanted to get from the Vietnamese public their ideas on how to promote New Zealand. What is it about the image of New Zealand that draws Vietnamese to want to visit New Zealand? Is it the amazing scenery, adventure tourism, the Hobbit films or the great food and beverage? We had some really strong entries which we look forward to putting into use to showcase New Zealand in Vietnam,” commented New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Mr Haike Manning.

This is the third consecutive year that someone that has never before visited New Zealand has won “New Zealand, New Horizon”, showing the creativity of young Vietnamese designers.

The best poster winner was Nguyen Kim Chi with her entry on the Hobbiton village, while the best slogan winner went to Hoang Kim Nghia with “New Zealand: Love at first sight.”

Fifteen winners of the most engagements (likes, shares and comments) on social media were awarded with New Zealand Natural Ice cream vouchers or USBs.

The New Zealand Minister is visiting Vietnam between June 4th - 7th to celebrate the commencement of direct flights between Ho Chi Minh city and Auckland, and promote strengthened connectivity between the two nations, particularly in tourism, education, IT and food and beverage./.

( VNF )