Water course: Chief Executive Donald Tsang inspects waste water treatment facilities near Auckland.

Hong Kong considers New Zealand a role model for renewable energy and environmental technology, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, urging such firms to look for business opportunities in Asia via Hong Kong.

Mr Tsang visited Auckland's state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant today, which uses new technology to cut the treatment cycle from 21 days to 13 hours. The $2.43-billion facility includes the world's largest ultra-violet disinfection facility to kill viruses and bacteria, eliminating the need for chlorination which itself can cause environmental problems.

The consolidation of treatment facilities and demolition of old plants using outdated technology has also freed up 500 hectares of land which has been restored to its original coastal environment and become a haven for birds. Gas generated during the treatment process is used to offset the facility's power requirements.

Business opportunities

"New Zealand is renowned for its high environmental standards and its use of new technologies to protect the environment. Hong Kong can learn much from New Zealand's record in this regard and that also translates to business opportunities for New Zealand companies in our city and elsewhere in Asia," Mr Tsang said.

"I am especially impressed at how they have rehabilitated former sludge pits into bird habitats that are now important breeding grounds for migratory birds, including an endangered species."

Visiting New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria near Auckland, Mr Tsang encouraged wine makers to use Hong Kong as a stepping stone to promoting their products in Asia, particularly on the Mainland where demand for quality wine is increasing.

Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong tonight.