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OPPORTUNITÀ A publication of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc. www.iccnz.com

News from the Embassy

Dear friends,

In this issue of the Chamber’s newsletter, I’d like to focus on EXPO Milano 2015.

On May 1st, the Universal Exposition officially opened its doors to the 20 million visitors that are expected to come over the next six months. The official opening ceremony began with one minute’s silence to commemorate the loss of life caused by the recent earthquake in Nepal.

No fewer than 54 individual pavilions have been built by the participant countries, a result never reached before. To allow countries with fewer economic means to participate, the organizers created nine Clusters, the collective pavilions grouped according to criteria related to theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”. The “Islands, Sea and Food Cluster” is open to the Small Islands Developing Countries, through the Pacific Island Forum.

EXPO will be a wonderful opportunity for the Italian tourism sector, in that for six months Milan will be home to the world. The city is ready to welcome tourists and visitors arriving with over 20,000 events to take place till the end of October.

At the EXPO Milano 2015official opening ceremony, the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said: "Italy has awakened, we are ready for life," referring back to the last line of the Italian national anthem. "I would like to welcome everyone. Today, the future of a country with an extraordinary past begins, but also one that has a future that now embraces the world. Let’s show that Italy is proud of its roots, but also that our future is being written right now. Let us make sure the Universal Exhibition in Milan is a place for discussion and solutions."

As an intangible legacy of EXPO Milan, on April 28th the Milan Charter was presented to public. The Charter is online, in twenty languages, where it can be signed by the citizens of the world.

May 2015 - News from the Embassy - Italian Trade Commission & ICCNZ - Ospitalità Italiana comes to NZ - ICCNZ AGM, 30 April 2015 - Remembrance Service for Captain Ateo Frandi - La Bella Italia AGM Dinner - EXPO Milano 2015 - Maserati Ghibli S wins NZ Herald’s Luxury Car of the

Year - Gazley Group opens new Dealership in Wellington - Cooking Classes at La Bella Italia - Master Maserati Driving Courses - Fiat Pandas attack New Zealand! - Naked Gnocchi – Gnudi Recipe - Chianti Classico

ICCNZ Member Profiles - A Touch of Italy - Alpine Furs of New Zealand

The Charter is a tool designed to be shared; it’s the outcome of the work of 500 experts, from ordinary people, government officials, business people, and representatives of international organizations, not forgetting academics, all of whom have worked selflessly for a common objective: writing a document that can become a guide for formulating geopolitical policy going forward the commitment of each in guaranteeing the Right to Food for everyone.

I invite all readers to go to Italy and to Milan in 2015, and take advantage of the various tools available to business persons wishing to take advantage of B2B opportunities (www.expobusinessmatching.com).

A presto, e buon lavoro a tutti H.E. Carmelo Barbarello, Ambassador of Italy, Wellington

Editorial contributions welcome

If you have a story that would interest our members, or would like to advertise in the newsletter, please contact the Opportunità editor: Rob McGregor, Accentuate+ Public Relations T: +64 (0)29 237 2676 E: [email protected] W: www.accentuatepr.co.nz

www.iccnz.com Opportunità – May 2015 1

http://www.iccnz.com/


http://www.expobusinessmatching.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.accentuatepr.co.nz/


ICE – Italian Trade Commission Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy

Italian Trade Commission & ICCNZ

The ITA-Italian Trade Agency (ICE-Italian Trade Commission) through its Sydney office aims to develop, facilitate and promote Italian economic and trade relations with New Zealand focusing on the needs of SME’s, their associations and partnerships.

The ITA-Italian Trade Agency supports Italian companies throughout their internationalisation processes and is directly involved in organising foreign business delegations to visit the main Italian exhibitions in order to establish contact with Italian manufacturers. It regularly collaborates with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand to select companies interested in high quality Italian products from many sectors: fashion, food, machinery, etc.

TUTTOFOOD Delegation

Recently, the ITA - Italian Trade Agency has organised a trade mission of 14 buyers from Australia and New Zealand to the 5th edition of TUTTOFOOD, a biannual Food Exhibition which took place on 3-6 May 2015 at Fiera Milano concurrently with Expo Milano 2015.

TUTTOFOOD is the exhibition that brings together the food industry productions channels with the Italian and international distribution, from deli stores to Private Labels.

It provides a perfect place where to exchange experiences, analyse market trends, learn about the evolution of food consumption and purchase patterns through workshops, forums, conferences and meetings.

This year’s edition of TUTTOFOOD has seen 78,493 visitors from 119 countries, 2,838 exhibitors (433 foreign) have met with more than 2,000 top international buyers.

European Foods and Sabato from New Zealand were invited to attend this sought after Trade Event during which they had the opportunity, as per an arranged agenda, to meet a large number of Italian companies and also visit EXPO Milan 2015 and the Italian Pavilion CIBUSisITALY.

EXPO Milano 2015 (www.expo2015.org) a non-commercial universal exposition which opened on 1st of May and will close on 31st October 2015 hosting over 130 participants. Running for 184 days, this giant exhibition site, covering one million square metres, is expected to welcome over 20 million visitors.

The theme chosen for the 2015 Milan Universal Exposition is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. This embraces technology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity and how they relate to food and diet. Italian Trade Commission Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy Level 19, 44 Market Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia T: +61 2 9299 9954 Fax: +61 2 9299 1172 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ice.gov.it For more information, see www.italtrade.com




http://www.expo2015.org/


http://www.ice.gov.it/

http://www.italtrade.com/


Ospitalità Italiana comes to NZ

New Zealand’s most authentic Italian restaurants are being invited to apply for Ospitalità Italiana - Italian Hospitality certification to enable them to display the Ospitalità Italiana Seal and receive recognition for the role they as special ‘ambassadors’ of Italian culture in this country. This follows an announcement by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc. (ICCNZ) and the Embassy of Italy, Wellington, that they have launched Ospitalità Italiana in New Zealand. HE Carmelo Barbarello, the Italian Ambassador in New Zealand said, “The Ospitalità Italiana Seal was purposely created to protect Italian heritage and to endorse restaurants and restaurateurs who strive to promote it. “In addition, the Seal aims to contribute to the success of authentic ‘Made in Italy’ brands, products and cuisine and to separate these from ‘Italian-sounding’ imitations.” “Italian cuisine stems from the ancient historical traditions from Italian society, with a natural emphasis on human connection and lifestyle. Over time, Italian food has developed into an unmistakable symbol of hospitality and welcome. “As a result, the Mediterranean diet, that clearly cannot leave aside Italian tradition, was included in 2010 in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“The Italian Government’s aim is to preserve the precious and rich history, distinct quality and undisputed authenticity of Italian cuisine.” Restaurants seeking to become Ospitalità Italiana certified must meet stringent requirements including: more than 50% of the dishes on their menu must be Italian; at least 30% of their wines DOP, extra virgin olive oil must be available; at least one person working in the kitchen has proven experience and proficiency in Italian cuisine,; and the restaurant must have someone on staff who is able to interact with customers in Italian. The certification process also recognises restaurants that, in addition to meeting the mandatory requirements, also embody typical Italian inspired elements, have their menu written in/translated to correct Italian, have a setting and décor that is Italian-inspired, primarily use DOP and IGP products, and activity promote Italian products and culture. The Ospitalità Italiana - Italian Hospitality Seal was established and launched in Italy in 1997 by Unioncamere (Union of Italian Chambers), Assocamerestero (Union of Chambers Abroad) and ISNART (Istituto Nazionale Richerche Turistiche). The Ospitalità Italiana seal is awarded following a comprehensive evaluation process described on the ICCNZ website www.iccnz.com/ospitalita-italiana. Liz Maxwell, the ICCNZ’s Immediate Past President and Ospitalità Italiana NZ Convenor said, “We are encouraging restaurants who believe they meet these criteria and who are keen to take part to apply. Certified restaurants become part of an international network. “The Ospitalità Italiana Seal conveys to customers that their restaurant is authentic and provides a quality Italian culinary experience.” Liz Maxwell, ICCNZ’s Immediate Past President and Councillor; Rachel Priestley, ICCNZ Vice President; and Beppe Carrozzino, ICCNZ Councillor have been appointed as Ospitalità Italiana NZ Convenors by the Chamber and will oversee the scheme’s operation in New Zealand.




http://www.iccnz.com/ospitalita-italiana


ICCNZ Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc. was held on Thursday 30 April 2015 at 5.45pm at La Bella Italia Business Centre Petone.

Members should have all received a copy of the AGM Minutes by now. A copy of the President’s report to the meeting follows: President’s Report Dear Chamber Members,

This is my first report as the President of the ICCNZ. It has been both a privilege and an honour to serve the Members, Colleagues on the Council, and work with them to advance the

objectives of the Chamber and interests of the Members.

A Calendar of Events was tabled at the AGM detailing a number of Chamber activities over in the last 12 months, together with work programme undertaken by our retiring Secretary General Gianfranco Ugazzi over the period.

It is timely to acknowledge the great work and commitment of Gianfranco to the Chamber, including his work on business planning, trade related enquiries, promoting the Chamber in both Italy and New Zealand and attracting new Members, and in particular: • Organizing in conjunction with the Sydney office of the

Italian Trade Commission (ICE) for 10 New Zealand Companies to attend Italian Trade Fairs including CIBUS, Moda Italia & Shoes, EIMA Agricultural Machinery, Italian Jewellery Exhibition, Sports Cycles & Accessories Exhibition, TUTTOFOOD

• Organizing the August – October Internship Programme in conjunction with the Scuola Scienze Aziendale of Florence in conjunction with a number of Chamber Members who hosted Interns.

• Working closely with Councillor Antonella Lorenzini on the critical work to develop ICCNZ’s application for formal admission to the network of Italian Chambers of Commerce overseas, Assocamerestero.

While Gianfranco advised that contrary to his intention to resign at the end of the accreditation process, he submitted his resignation as Secretary General as a result of the lack of formal approval by the Executive Committee of his specific requirements for the documentation (including business plan) for Assocamerestero accreditation purposes. However, Gianfranco has kindly agreed to continue his support for the Chamber by standing for the Council, and has prepared a detailed Paper for consideration by the Council outlining specific tasks he would undertake as a Councillor.

These include: (i.) contributing to the process of recruiting a new Secretary General (ii.) coordination of the Assocamerestero accreditation process in conjunction with other Councillors (iii.) preparation of a medium term Business Plan (iv.) research of financial resources to cover initial funding deficits. I welcome Gianfranco’s ongoing contributions to the Chamber accordingly.

I would like to acknowledge the ongoing valuable support and work of our former President and Councillor Liz Maxwell, who together with our Vice President Rachel Priestley and supported by Chamber Member Beppe Carrozzino, is undertaking the planning and implementation of ‘Ospitalita Italiana’ programme in New Zealand – an initiative which aims to certify authentic and quality Italian Restaurants around the world. The Chamber is looking forward to commencing the first awards process for New Zealand Restaurants that meet the criteria, later this year.

I would also like to sincerely thank Liz for her work representing ICCNZ as a Committee Member of the New Zealand Europe Business Council, an umbrella organisation for all EU Chambers and Business Councils in New Zealand.

During the year the Chamber has been involved in a number of events and organized networking opportunities for our Members including the Italian/NZ Business Forum in Auckland and Rinfresco Networking event in Wellington in conjunction with the Italian Embassy.

The Chamber again supported the Italian Film Festival including promoting it via our website and newsletter, and hosting a Members networking event on the Wellington Opening Night of the Festival. The Chamber was also ably represented at the Festival Italiano in Auckland http://festivalitaliano.co.nz/ by Vice Presidents Roberto Draghi and Rachel Priestley.

Continued on next page……




http://festivalitaliano.co.nz/


My sincere thanks to them for kindly organizing this which we hope to do again later this year.

I would also like to thank Councillor Rob McGregor who has done a sterling job as Editor of our newsletter Opportunità keeping it interesting and profiling many Chamber Members. I would like to thank the Chamber Members for their contributions by way of news items for Opportunità.

We are very pleased to continue our close ties and co-operation with the Italian Trade Commissioner, Mrs Antonietta Baccanari and her Staff in Sydney, and we look forward to continuing to work with them including encouraging Chamber Members and other NZ Companies to attend major Italian Trade shows, including the international EXPO MILANO www.expo2015.org being held May through to October this year.

I extend my gratitude and sincere thanks to all my Council Colleagues for all their contributions to the work of the Chamber, and extend my thanks and best wishes to outgoing Treasurer, Kristy Grant. I would also take this opportunity on behalf of the Chamber to acknowledge the great support and hospitality of Ambassador H.E Carmelo Barbarello and his colleagues at the Embassy of Italy in Wellington. Michael Stephens President Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, Inc. Camera di Commercio Italiana in Nuova Zelanda

Remembrance Service for Captain Ateo Frandi - Killed in Gallipoli

A remembrance service was held in Wellington’s Frandi Street on 8 May 2015 to remember Captain Ateo Giusto Leale Frandi.

Captain Frandi was born in Pisa, Italy on 4 May 1873, the second son of Annunziata and Aristodemo. The family emigrated to NZ in 1876. At the outbreak of WW1, he joined the Wellington Infantry Battalion and landed at ANZAC Cove on 25 April 1915.

He lost his life fighting for his adopted country in the Gallipoli campaign on 8 May 1915.

The ICCNZ was represented at the Remembrance Ceremony by H.E. Carmelo Barbarello, the Italian Ambassador, and Michael Stephens, the ICCNZ’s President.




http://www.expo2015.org/


La Bella Italia AGM Dinner

The President, members and their guests enjoyed a post-AGM dinner at ICCNZ Vice-President Cav. Antonio Cacace’s La Bella Italia restaurant in Petone.

ICCNZ Councillor Mario Leonti & host Antonio Cacace

ICCNZ’s Immediate Past President Liz Maxwell and friend

ICCNZ Member Richard King of AquaAir Freight Services & Helen King

Miriam Vender of La Bella Italia & Helen King

Letizia Columbano-Green of Greenmantle Lodge

ICCNZ Honorary Legal Counsel & Councillor Chris Griggs and Ralph Green of Greenmantle Lodge




http://www.iccnz.com/mario-leonti


Expo Milano 2015 is the Universal Exhibition that Milan, Italy, will host from May 1 to October 31, 2015. Over this six-month period, Milan will become a global showcase where more than 140 participating countries will show the best of their technology that offers a concrete answer to a vital need: being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the Planet and its equilibrium. In addition to the exhibitor nations, the Expo also involves international organizations, and expects to welcome over 20 million visitors to its 1.1 million square metres of exhibition area. A platform for the exchange of ideas and shared solutions on the theme of food, stimulating each country’s creativity and promoting innovation for a sustainable future, Expo 2015 will give everyone the opportunity to find out about, and taste, the world’s best dishes, while discovering the best of the agri-food and gastronomic traditions of each of the exhibitor countries. Expo Milano 2015 is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs and executives as it is expected to welcome thousands of business owners and decision makers from all over the world. It represents a unique opportunity to establish and develop commercial and business relations and gain direct access to the excellence of Made in Italy and the rest of the world. Expo Milano 2015 offers participants the perfect platform to strengthen worldwide visibility on the country’s records and performances and the best occasion to foster national identity, industrial progress and best practices. Expo Business Matching is the ultimate web based matching solution, designed to promote and facilitate dialogue among business operators while in Italy.

The initiative is promoted by Expo Milano 2015, in partnership with the Milano Chamber of Commerce, Promos, Fiera Milano and PwC. The main scope of the portal is to offer the international business community an unrivalled chance to promote its excellence, expertise and leadership. The online platform allows to search, identify and screen potential partners: be it a supplier, buyer, agent, manufacturer, service provider, distributor or an investor. All International operators will be able to access the matchmaking program, available in six languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) through a simple and free of charge registration process. By profiling companies and businesses and defining search criteria, the platform elaborates data and generates B2B meetings releasing an agenda-setting programme that combines the power of on-site discussion with the company’s presence in Italy.

An Exclusive Service to Participant Countries

Expo Business Matching has been designed to offer Participating Countries a privileged access to: • support national enrollment for large business

delegations or SMEs. • monitor national performance such as primary searching

criteria, national preferences, matching results or number of meeting held etc.

• obtain dedicated assistance till the end of Expo Milano 2015.

For further information contact the Italian Embassy or visit: www.expobusinessmatching.com or www.fieramilano.it/en/expo-business-matching




http://www.expobusinessmatching.com/

http://www.fieramilano.it/en/expo-business-matching


Member Profile: A Touch of Italy

A Passion for all Things Italian Twenty six years ago Phil Clarke changed lanes. He left the fast paced world of Fiat, Lancia, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo for the slower pace and luxury of Italian food and wine importation. If there is one thing Italy does better than fast and fabulous cars, it's a devotion to the pleasures of the table and the palette.

Today, A Touch of Italy is one of the country’s premier importers, wholesalers and retailer of authentic Italian cuisine. As a provider to restaurants throughout New Zealand, A Touch of Italy imports wine from all over Italy, including Tuscany and Sicily (whose age old wineries produce more wine than all of Australia).

At A Touch of Italy, the aim is to bring 'a touch of Italy' to every New Zealand household, either through retail, outstanding cafe, and restaurant or bar experiences. They do that by providing their customers with a range of exceptional products, sourced from throughout the Italian regions.

A Touch of Italy imports a wide selection of authentic Italian food and beverages from regions renowned for their produce. From gourmet chocolates, olive oils and gluten free products to some of the finest Italian wines and hard-to-find ingredients and take great pride in bringing the Italian food and wine experience to New Zealand.

Their commitment to quality means they stock an extensive range of top quality Italian delicacies and take the utmost care from packaging to transportation so their customers can be sure they get the best.

Products are sourced through great connections with some very long standing Italian suppliers, many who go back to the very beginning of the A Touch of Italy birth in December 1989. Core brands such as Pellegrino, Carpene Malvolti, Farnese, Toschi, Lazzaroni, Caffarel and Casa Rinaldi provide the backbone to this business, supported by many smaller, but by no means lesser brands.

A Touch of Italy founders Phil & Ann Clarke at the Vigneti del Vulture vineyard at Basilicata in February 2015 A Touch of Italy Ltd has also created an online web based directory for ‘all things Italian’ - www.eatily.co.nz. The website is currently under re-construction for a whole new look. However, if you would like further information about the company and the products it provides, please contact the office – details below. A Touch of Italy prides itself on service and are always available to offer suggestions for menu options, retail possibilities and general information about Italian Wine & Food.

For further information, call Liz Farquhar at A Touch of Italy on: 09 2733701 or [email protected]




http://www.eatily.co.nz/



Maserati Ghibli S wins NZ Herald’s Luxury Car of the Year Award

‘Driven’, the motoring supplement in the New Zealand Herald, has selected the Maserati Ghibli as its 2014 ‘Driven Luxury Car of the Year’. Choosing the latest Maserati model for the award, Judge Colin Smith said, “The $149,990 Maserati Ghibli S embodies key attributes for a luxury sporting saloon - head-turning looks, strong performance from a V6 turbo engine that also sounds brilliant and a state-of-the-art eight-speed transmission. “Of course there's badge appeal in spades and vast scope to personalise the car but sticking close to a standard specification puts the Maserati marque at an all-time accessible price point.” Launched in New Zealand during the first half of 2014, the Maserati Ghibli has proven an outstanding success for Maserati in New Zealand and around the world, helping to drive sales for Maserati in its centenary year to unprecedented levels. Positioned below the Quattroporte, the Ghibli takes Maserati into a section of the market in which it has not previously competed The Ghibli’s most powerful model and the variant that has taken ‘Driven Luxury Car of the Year’ title is the Ghibli S which has 301kW (410 bhp) and 550Nm of torque enabling the car to accelerate to 100kph in 5.0 seconds and, where the law permits, continue to a top speed of 285 kph. It has a combined fuel economy figure of 10.4 litres/100 km. The standard petrol engine Ghibli model has 243kW (330 bhp) and 500Nm of torque and a combined fuel economy figure of just 9.6 litres/100 km. It can accelerate to 100 kph in 5.6 seconds.

The new Ghibli is also the first Maserati to offer diesel power, with a 3.0 litre turbo diesel delivering 202kW and 600Nm torque that provides the exhilarating performance expected of a Maserati, with a zero to 100 kph time of 6.3 seconds, matched to a combined fuel consumption fuel figure of 5.9 litres per 100 km.

The Ghibli, Ghibli Diesel and Ghibli S utilise eight-speed automatic transmissions, providing seamless comfort with fast gear shifting for hard acceleration. All Ghibli models handle exquisitely due to their perfectly balanced weight distribution, a double-wishbone front suspension and a state-of-the-art five-link rear suspension. The Maserati Ghibli is priced at $129,990 excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery, the Ghibli Diesel at $131,990 excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery and the Ghibli S at $149,990 excluding dealer costs and delivery.

Concluding his report on the Maserati Ghibli S, awards judge Colin Smith added “If the Ghibli S is a little compact for your luxury desires then much the same qualities are delivered by the larger - and closely related - Quattroporte.” For more information about Maserati in New Zealand, see: www.maserati.co.nz .




http://www.maserati.co.nz/


Gazley Motor Group opens new Dealership in Wellington

Wellington’s leading prestige and premium automotive company, the Gazley Motor Group, has invested more than $4 million in a new dealership to service Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in the capital.

Myles Gazley, Managing Director of the Gazley Motor Group said, “Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the company that has brought together some of the most iconic brands in the car industry, is one of the great success stories of the past decade and I am thrilled to be able to represent them in Wellington.

“Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is not just highly successful now; it is making a considerable investment in the future to further grow its brands. We are matching this with a multi-million dollar investment of our own so that we may not only provide outstanding customer service now, but also for all the planned future models.”

Situated on the corner of Lorne Street and Cambridge Terrace, the new facility has 500 square metre showroom, capable of displaying more than 30 vehicles, with additional space for eight demonstration vehicles ready for customer test drives.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has brought together legendary brands from both sides of the Atlantic, including Jeep and Alfa Romeo as well as Fiat and Chrysler, not to mention Dodge and Fiat Commercial Vehicles. This unique range of vehicles not only provides the Gazley Motor Group with the ability to meet a broad range of customer requirements but also the challenge to present this diverse range of brands and models.

“Clearly the requirements of a client buying a Jeep Wrangler to explore the hidden depths of New Zealand are quite different from someone looking at a Fiat 500 for ultimate chic city car,” says Myles Gazley.

“Therefore our investment is much more than in the building, it is also about putting together a team of people with the knowledge, ability and skills to present and demonstrate each car, as well as having the people fully maintain our clients’ cars to the highest standards.”

The business will be run by Matthew Calder, who brings extensive experience in running premium and luxury dealerships. On the sales side Jeff Edwards has more than 40 years of experience working with Alfa Romeo and Fiat and he is keen to match this with the American brands now included within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. He is supported by Elliot Andrew who adds to his knowledge of the brands his motorsport experience which provides a unique insight into the performance brands such as Alfa Romeo and SRT. On the Aftersales side Shaun Hickman and Nathan Thomas have extensive experience across all the brands handled by the new company.

“It is much more than a good business decision to represent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles,” says Myles Gazley. “These are brands that are driven by real passion, whether its performance and style of an Alfa Romeo, climbing a mountain in a Jeep, cruising the city in a chic Fiat or experiencing the muscle power of a real American Hemi V8 in a Chrysler, these are brands that bring real pleasure and excitement.”

For more information, see: www.gazley.com

ICCNZ 2015 Sponsor

AJ Park is a leading provider of intellectual property services in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific region. Our experts specialise in helping you achieve commercial success overseas by getting the most out of your intellectual property.

For further information, see: www.ajpark.com




http://www.gazley.com/

http://www.ajpark.com/


Cooking Classes at La Bella Italia

Cooking classes run by the La Bella Italia chefs have proven very popular for children and adults alike.

As ICCNZ Vice-President Cav. Antonio Cacace, the proprietor of La Bella Italia restaurant in Petone explains, “The format is simple, our chef shows you how to make pasta and then you get to do it yourself under his guidance.

“These classes are very much hands-on and part of the La Bella Italia concept which is to pass on the passion, the knowledge and traditions of Italian food and ingredients. Together with this, inevitably, we pass on also the respect for products and the way they should be used and combined with other products. “We believe in education and in the importance of introducing children to good and healthy food. We like having children at La Bella Italia and it is great to see them coming back ordering their favourite dish. “Hands-on classes are a way to learn, a way to bond, a way to have fun and to go home with some good fresh Ravioli or Italian Pasta to share with your family or friends.” Bookings are essential and the cost is $80.00 per person. Class size is limited to 14 people and during the class the adults each receive a glass of Prosecco and antipasti.

Classes are held between 5.45 & 7.45pm on Thursdays: Thursday, 28 May Thursday, 11 June Thursday, 25 June

Thursday, 9 July Thursday, 23 July

For more information see: www.labellaitalia.co.nz/news/adult-and-kids-cooking-classes




http://www.labellaitalia.co.nz/news/adult-and-kids-cooking-classes

http://www.labellaitalia.co.nz/news/adult-and-kids-cooking-classes


Master Maserati Driving Courses

One of the benefits of owning a Maserati is the opportunity to attend one of the Master Maserati Driving courses in Italy.

These courses provide owners with a range of experiences to suit different driving skill levels along with the opportunity to enjoy the best Italian culinary and cultural experiences.

The 2015 programme starts with the ‘Master Warm Up’, continuing onto the classic ‘GT Master’ course over one or two days.

The ‘Master Italian Lifestyle Experience’ combines the most representative and attractive elements of Made in Italy, while the ‘Master High Performance’ course is for more skilled drivers, who are taught driving techniques in high-performance cars, by professional racing drivers.

The main objective of the Master Maserati racing-circuit driving courses is to deliver unbeatable instruction and safety offering the entire range of Trident models: from the GranTurismo to the MC Stradale and from the new Quattroporte to the new Ghibli and GranCabrio.

The courses are held at the Autodrome in Varano de’Melegari, approximately 20 km from Parma. This is an ideal circuit to develop driving skills and combines excellent track characteristics with professional services, ensuring that track sessions take place in maximum safety, under the teaching supervision of Master instructor-drivers. The instructors are all highly qualified professional drivers, selected and coordinated by former Formula 1 driver Andrea de Adamich.

A fleet of fifteen vehicles, each with an audio/video recording system installed on board, is available for participants to learn the finer points of high performance driving and appreciate that all-Italian style and elegance which has always characterised Maserati's activities.

A visit to Maserati’s Modena Factory is also on offer but participants are advised to book this visit well in advance.

Further information is available from your Maserati dealer who can also handle course bookings. See: www.maserati.co.nz/maserati/nz/en/index/maserati-life/Driving-Courses.html

ICCNZ 2015 Sponsor

Collinson Forex provides a complete range of foreign exchange services globally. By working closely with clients establishing personal relationships we hope to understand their business requirements and thus develop effective FX strategies. For further information, see: collinsonco.com




http://www.maserati.co.nz/maserati/nz/en/index/maserati-life/Driving-Courses.html

http://www.maserati.co.nz/maserati/nz/en/index/maserati-life/Driving-Courses.html

http://collinsonco.com/


Fiat Pandas attack New Zealand!

The Fiat Panda has become New Zealand’s most affordable European small car with an opening price of just $14,990 plus on road costs, but with a strictly limited Panda population in New Zealand, it’s a special offer that is facing extinction.

David Smitherman, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand, said “We have a strictly limited number of Pandas in captivity here in New Zealand and we want to set them free to find them new homes as soon as possible. So for just $14,990 plus on road costs you can welcome one of these friendly, economical and comfortable Pandas into your home.”

The Fiat Panda Easy is priced at $14,990 plus on road costs and the more lavishly equipped Fiat Panda Lounge at $16,990 plus on road costs. These prices represent a saving of $5,000 compared to the normal prices for the Fiat Panda and include a comprehensive three year/150,000 km warranty.

“The Panda is the epitome of what has made Fiat a small car legend. It is the smart and fun choice in a world of basic and dull small cars. At $14,990 plus on road costs it is, quite simply, unbeatable.”

The company claims that the award-winning Fiat Panda has set the small car benchmark since the first generation Panda was introduced in 1980. The latest Panda was judged European Car of the Year, securing the title due to its big on the inside, small on the outside design and its blend of fun, style and functionality. With five doors and an interior that boasts flexibility and high quality materials, the Panda continues to set a benchmark for small cars.

The Panda line-up consists of two models – Easy and Lounge. Both are powered by Fiat’s TwinAir turbo engine. This 875cc unit has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any quantity production petrol engine in the world and won International Engine of the Year 2011. With 63kW, Combined Cycle fuel efficiency as low as 4.1 litres per 100km and a characterful throaty sound track, this engine has cemented Fiat’s position at the forefront of modern engine development. The TwinAir is fitted with the Start&Stop system and the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) feature, which suggests when the driver should change gear in order to achieve the best fuel economy.

Safety and comfort are delivered an unusually rigid body and advanced suspension. These attributes further improve the Panda’s already impressive safety credentials, which includes six airbags, ABS anti-lock braking with Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and an active anti-whiplash head restraint system as standard equipment across the range, making it one of the best-equipped cars of its kind in safety terms.

Unusually for a car of this size, it also features a new safety innovation as standard equipment on the Lounge variant called Low Speed Collision Mitigation – this advanced safety system reads the road ahead and when it detects an obstacle in the vehicle’s path, applies the brakes automatically to avoid a collision.

For further information, see: www.fiat.co.nz/panda




http://www.fiat.co.nz/panda


Member Profile: Alpine Furs of New Zealand

Alpine Furs of New Zealand was established by former ICCNZ Councillor Sandy Rich in 2002.

The company custom makes a luxury range of brushtail (Possum) fur products including rugs, throws, clothing and accessories which are sold in New Zealand, Russia, Canada, United States, England, Italy, China and Japan.

Sandy explains that New Zealand Possum Fur is an environmentally friendly fur. The Possum was introduced to this country in the 1800’s in order to establish a fur industry but unfortunately it thrived in New Zealand’s native bush to become a pest.

There are now some 140 million Possums eating their way through 21,000 tons of vegetation nightly. As the Possum has no natural predators, large areas of New Zealand’s native forest have been decimated and native birds including the endangered Kiwi are threatened because of this pest.

Every Possum fur product purchased helps preserve and protect the native habitat giving New Zealand’s wildlife a greater chance of survival.

The Possum’s ability to thrive in harsh winters results in a dense soft fur. Its unique hollow fibre makes it both light and extremely warm and durable.

All 82 rooms in Queenstown’s 5 Star Sofitel Hotel feature Alpine Furs Possum rugs.

Alpine Furs of New Zealand can tailor-make a beautiful Possum fur rug to suit your requirements.

For more information on these beautiful handcrafted products, please contact: Alpine Furs of New Zealand, PO Box 121 Waverley, New Zealand T: +64 6 346 5004 M: +64 27 678 8004 E: [email protected]






Rachel Priestley of ‘The Prodigal Daughter’

Naked Gnocchi - Gnudi By Rachel Priestley

Well known for being tricky, rife with double meanings and open to various interpretations, the Italian language never ceases to surprise and delight me. What do Michelangelo’s 20 seated nudes, young men in various poses, painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and my gnocchi dish have in common?

Ignudi was a term used by Michelangelo for the nude males he incorporated in his frescoes in what became the Vatican City’s most popular visitor attraction. It is also the term given to a primo piatto made by using the ripieno, the filling for pasta, but without the pasta. Therefore it is nude.

Now that I know where the name comes from, whenever I tip my head up in the Sistine Chapel, gazing at those 20 nude men, I shall forever be thinking of gnocchi! A simple dish found in household kitchens in the areas of Siena and Grosseto, it is tastier than it may sound.

RECIPE Gnudi (serves four) Ingredients • 350g spinach • 1 clove of garlic • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 350g ricotta • 60g flour • 80g - 100g grated parmesan cheese • 2 eggs • Salt and pepper • Freshly grated nutmeg • Semolina flour for rolling • 50g butter • Some sage leaves

METHOD Pick the spinach leaves, discarding the stalks, wash well in cold water and leave to drain.

Peel the garlic clove, chop to a fine dice.

Heat up a heavy-based pan, add the olive oil and sauté the garlic. As soon as the garlic begins to colour, throw in the spinach leaves and toss.

There should be enough moisture from washing to allow them to wilt. Cover the pan, wait three minutes, stir again and turn off the heat.

Cool the leaves down, wring out any excess moisture and chop into small pieces.

In a clean bowl, mix the ricotta with the spinach. Add the eggs, flour and seasonings.

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Lastly, mix in the grated parmesan. Some of the colour should leach out of the spinach, giving a nice green tinge to the mix. The mixture should be soft, while at the same time holding together. To test if you have the right consistency and seasoning, take some of the mixture (about the size of half a golf ball) into the palm of your hand, roll it into a ball with a bit of semolina flour, then roll lengthways to resemble a short, fat cigar. Place in a pot of boiling salted water and cook until your nude filling rises to the surface, about two or three minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and taste. It should be springy to the touch, and tasty. If it doesn’t hold together, add a little more each of flour and grated parmesan. Continue rolling the mixture out in the semolina flour, then let your gnocchi rest in the fridge for a couple of hours, allowing them to relax and dry out a little.

Cook in lots of boiling salted water. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, melt the butter and add the sage leaves, browning both the butter and the leaves lightly. When the gnudi float to the surface of the boiling water, remove with a slotted spoon, drain and then toss in the browned butter. Serve with lashings of grated Parmesan. A simple young Chianti Classico is the perfect wine to accompany the dish because it will have a good level of freshness as well as fruitiness, to balance the browned butter and parmesan.

Buon appetito!

Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is a leading Tuscan DOCG zone which covers approximately 7,000ha between Florence and Siena. This relatively small wine region produces one of the best known Italian wines.

A fine Chianti Classico available from The Prodigal Daughter

What makes Chianti Classico unique compared to other Chianti wines is the unmistakable pink label with the Black Rooster seal. This is the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, founded in 1924, and signifies the authenticity of the wine. The black rooster signifies the peace between Florence and Siena—two Tuscan cities that had for centuries been arch rivals

Sangiovese on the vine

Chianti Classico is a DOCG wine with unique peculiarities and characteristics. To be named ‘Classico’ is not enough to be produced within the Chianti region. Classico wine must respect specific rules. It has to contain at least 80% Sangiovese and can include up to 20% of other native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

A good Chianti Classico is ruby red in colour with burnt orange reflections, berry fruits and blackberries on the nose, and a spicy lightly oaky finish.




http://www.chianti.com/chianti-wine.html

http://www.chianticlassico.com/english/index.asp

http://www.chianticlassico.com/english/index.asp

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