8 Jun 2010

PM to go to South Africa for All Whites v Italy

8:06 pm on 8 June 2010

Prime Minister John Key is to travel to South Africa to support the All Whites' campaign in the football World Cup.

Mr Key, who is the All Whites' patron for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will attend the pool match against Italy in the northeastern city of Nelspruit on 20 June.

He says New Zealand has strong and positive connections with South Africa, particularly through sport.

Mr Key says the World Cup offers South Africa the chance to showcase itself as a nation as New Zealand will do next year when it hosts another World Cup (for rugby).

During the two-day visit to South Africa, Mr Key will also open New Zealand's new High Commission premises in Pretoria and meet with South African business leaders.

It is the first Prime Ministerial visit to South Africa since 2002.