Swedish princess to opens week-long design showcase

Scandanavian royalty will tonight open a week-long event in Auckland, aimed at showcasing the best of contemporary Swedish innovation, design and culture .

Her Royal Highness Princess Birgitta of Sweden, the sister of Sweden's King Carl Gustaf, arrived in Auckland on Saturday to celebrate Swedish Style .

It is the first event of its kind between Sweden and New Zealand, with organisers hoping it will attract attention from the 2000 expat Swedes who live here and raise awareness among New Zealanders of the similarities between the two countries.

It is also the first visit by the princess to New Zealand .

She will be joined by a host of other dignitaries and leaders in Swedish design, art, music and business at events throughout the week.

Events taking place across the city include Sweden in Ten Visions, on display for the first time in the southern hemisphere. It is an exhibition which portrays Swedish culture through wearable art.

Princess Birgitta told NZPA she hoped by visiting New Zealand both cultures would learn more about each other and realise the many similarities they shared.

"I thought it was a good idea to come here and highlight the connections between the two countries."