Region racks up Mexican praise

Mexicans love eating New Zealand lamb but they eat it laced with spicy salsa.

That's the word from Leonora Rueda, Mexico's ambassador to New Zealand, who paid a flying visit to Wanganui yesterday.

Ms Rueda, who is based in Wellington, visited Wanganui and Palmerston North to meet with local business leaders.

She was shown around Q-West Boat Builders and GDM Group, before attending a reception in her honour hosted by the Whanganui Employers Chamber of Commerce.

About 30 business people attended the reception.

Ms Rueda was welcomed briefly by Wanganui Mayor Annette Main and presented with a gift, before giving a talk about Mexico.

She began by saying that New Zealand was popular in Mexico because of the quality of its lamb. She said the Mexican method was to slow cook it with onions and top it with spicy salsa and coriander.

"It is delicious and I think you should try it," she told her audience. Ms Rueda said driving through Wanganui reminded her of Santa Monica in California.

"This is a very beautiful place, and although it is my first time here it definitely won't be my last."

Jenny Duncan, president of the Whanganui Employers Chamber of Commerce, said Mexico provided a good opportunity for trade and investment. "Mexico has a free trade agreement with the United States and is an ideal base for New Zealand companies looking to establish a presence in the North American markets."