Palmerston North and Manawatū Connect ing the bus iness events indust r y for over 30 years www.meetingnewz.co.nz The Conference, Incentive & Exhibition Magazine NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 Taranaki Singapore Company Profiles Sustainability
Contents meeting newz is registered as a magazine and is published by Tourism Media Group Ltd, 4/1 Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay, PO Box 65343, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754 Website: www.meetingnewz.co.nz Publisher: Tourism Media Group Ltd. email: info@meetingnewz.co.nz Advertising: Terry Holt Phone: 021 042 8232 email: terry@meetingnewz.co.nz Advertising: Paul Hailes Phone: 021 217 3628 email: paul@meetingnewz.co.nz Contributors: Jane Warwick, Stu Freeman, Shannon Williams, Anabel Darby, Debbie Armatage, Brad Foster Design & Production: Gary Covich email: studio@meetingnewz.co.nz Printing: Centurion Print ISSN 1172- 5893 (Print) ISSN 2703-1942 (Online) [NOTE F ROM THE PUBL I SHE RS Front cover: ManawatuNZ As the classic Christmas song goes, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year – a celebration of activities associated with get-togethers with family and friends and sharing stories. This is particularly apt for many for us in the industry considering what has happened this year. The general consensus of people we have talked with is that they are looking forward to hosting some end of year events, finishing the year strong and then (duly earned) enjoying some down time. The new year will bring its challenges, but the good news is that in-person events are back and future bookings are strong, although staffing shortages and lack of event experience continues to be an issue. Economically, a slowing global economy will put pressure on the NZ markets and inflation © Tourism Media Group. All rights reserved For any enquiries regarding the upcoming features please contact Terry: terry@meetingnewz.co.nz or Paul: paul@meetingnewz.co.nz January February 2023 • Bay of Islands • Northland/Whangarei • Queenstown • Southern Lakes • Australia • AIME Preview • PCOA Review March April 2023 • Central Otago • Dunedin • Hamilton • Waikato • Australia • Pacific update • AIME Review May June 2023 • Invercargill • Southland & Fiordland • Wairarapa • Wellington • West Coast • MEETINGS Preview Magazine July August 2023 • Bay of Plenty • Taupo • Rotorua • Australia • MEETINGS Review • Incentives Note from the publishers... Features Cover Story Palmerston North/ Manawatu 10 Taranaki 18 Sustainability 30 AIME Preview 37 Company Profiles 40 Singapore 44 Regular Features News 4 People on the Move 16 Social Scene 26 & 27 Industry Insights St John Column 24 BEIA Conference 48 BEIA Column 50 is public enemy number one. The industry looks forward to the opening of Takina, Wellington’s new convention centre situated in the heart of the city in June 2023 and providing another quality convention centre that will be ideal to host up to 1,600 delegates. Auckland will also welcome back two important venues for business events, Viaduct Events Centre and Auckland Showgrounds. The lack of large venues like these has put a strain on availability but it will be great to have them back again. In this edition of Meeting Newz we bring you the latest business events news and offerings from Palmerston North / Manawatu, Taranaki and we also take a look at sustainability in the business events sector. It's also time for our Company Profiles section and we have our regular People on the Move, Social Scene and Industry Update columns too. Finally from all of us at Tourism Media Group we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year. Enjoy a well-earned break and some quality time with family and friends over the summer. Put the coffee on and enjoy the read. Paul, Terry and Gary September October 2023 • Christchurch & Canterbury • Marlborough • Nelson Tasman • Australia • End of year celebrations and events • Pacific Business Events Magazine November December 2023 • Auckland • Hawke’s Bay • Gisborne • Australia • Sustainability, CSR • Company Profiles Features subject to change IT’SBEGINNING TOFEELALOT LIKECHRISTMAS Upcoming Meeting Newz 2022/23 features [2] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
[I NDUSTRY NEWS +64 3 443 0017 events@edgewater.co.nz www.edgewater.co.nz CONFERENCE & EVENTS at the water’s edge Looking for a space for your next conference or event? Edgewater has a range of lake view rooms, catering options and full on-site coordination Contact the Events Team at Edgewater for a personalized quote Invercargill’s $52 million Langlands Hotel has opened. The 4.5 star hotel is located in the heart of the city and is the largest single development in ILT history. ILT president, Alan Dennis says its an exciting time for the city. “From the beginning, the ILT board wanted to create a unique experience for both locals and visitors in a modern and contemporary setting,” he says. “We wanted to add some vibrancy to the inner city and based on the feedback so far I think we’ve done that.’’ The seven storey, 78-room hotel has always been proposed as more than a hotel with five bespoke eateries and bars included within the development. Auckland Showgrounds is set to reopen early next year following the appointment of a new operator to run the site. Cornwall Park Trust Board (CPTB), has appointed NZ Exhibition & Events Co (NZEEC) to operate the showgrounds under a temporary licence as an events and exhibition facility while it secures a new tenant. This follows the High Court of Auckland’s final judgement mid-October in the matter of turning the Auckland Showgrounds into a film and TV production site, saying filming cannot displace or replace any event, concert or exhibition on Area B of the Showgrounds. The CPTB board used the delay to complete a wide range of deferred and important maintenance work to ready the showgrounds for operation again. An RFP process is likely to unfold in the coming weeks for 'events-led' parties to lease the site long term. It's expected to take several months to secure an agreement with a new operator. The short-term agreement The Langlands Hotel opens in Invercargill Langlands Hotel with NZEEC gives event organisers the opportunity to plan with confidence. Brent Spillane, managing director of XPO Exhibitions Ltd (who was the plaintiff in the high court case) says exhibitions are seeing a boom internationally, coming back with record results in the USA and Europe. He says a well-managed events-based operation at Auckland Showgrounds is crucial. "The events industry will reflect upon this period in years to come as somewhat of a 'David vs Goliath' moment where we took on the might of a very powerful Trust landlord demanding that they uphold the legislative protections on the site for Events and Exhibitions (and not repurpose the site for film). Events that have importantly run on the site for over 150 years. To have succeeded in that battle and now seeing the venue reopen for the wider event industry and general public's recreation and enjoyment is a huge win for the city and the thousands of SME exhibiting businesses that this site serves." Deborah March has been promoted from executive assistant manager to general manager at Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North. Celebrating the return of events back to Auckland Showgrounds Promotion at Copthorne Palmerston North [4] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
[I NDUSTRY NEWS A new programme to attract conferences and business events to Dunedin is playing to the city’s strengths as a hub of knowledge. The Village of Learning brings together the expertise of Enterprise Dunedin, Dunedin Venues Management Limited (DVML), the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic in a collaborative approach to bidding and delivery. A suite of initiatives is on offer as part of the programme – first and foremost will be access to specialised local academic talent via the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic or industry- specific keynote speakers that align with the core conference topics. While the keynote speaker industry is a well-trodden path, the concentration of potential speakers across a huge range of specialised subjects in Dunedin and wider Otago is at the crux of the Village of Learning offering. These same thought leaders often attend international events themselves, presenting In the 2021/22 financial year Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland won 102 business events, which are expected to inject $75.5m million into the region’s economy in the coming years. Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) head, Ken Pereira, says the wins demonstrate Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s global profile an opportunity to pro-actively bid for future conferences on Dunedin’s behalf. This has led to the development of an ambassador programme as part of the Village of Learning, to identify and support academics and other specialists frommultiple industries to work with the city to this end. “The Village of Learning really plays to Dunedin’s strengths as a conference destination,” says John Christie, manager Enterprise Dunedin. “It will stand the city apart from some of our larger national competitors by delivering an exceptional event experience in conjunction with our highly reputed educational institutions and the wider business sector.” Terry Davies, CEO of DVML is excited to present a new unique selling point to conference organisers considering Dunedin, that builds on existing strong collaborative partnerships across the city. “We’ll be working closely with key as a business events destination, and the work that goes into securing world-class events for the region. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to research new opportunities, bid for international conferences, and secure business events for Auckland,” Pereira says. “In the past financial year, we supported Pictured from L-R : Caroline Terpstra, Otago Polytechnic; Jean Hendry, Tourism New Zealand; Ali Copeman, akB Conference & Event Management; Professor Hamish Spencer, University of Otago; Louise Woodburn, Enterprise Dunedin; Dr Paula O’Kane, University of Otago Dunedin launches 'Village of Learning' programme Business events prove worth for Auckland stakeholders and delivery partners through this programme to ensure the total convention experience remains cost competitive to ensure Dunedin is top of the list as a prospective conference destination,” he says. University of Otago Deputy vice-chancellor of external engagement, Professor Tony Ballantyne says the innovation will provide new opportunities for its academic staff to build connections and share knowledge. Dr Megan Gibbons, chief executive of Otago Polytechnic, says the initiative showcases the calibre of the organisation’s staff and facilities. “Within the scope of the programme, student involvement in the design or delivery of conference activities could offer another attractive option for event organisers, while also fulfilling corporate social responsibility requirements,” she says. Recognising the potential to target international markets, the programme is being backed by Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme, which can support with the bidding process and travel to shortlisted international conferences for Dunedin Village of Learning ‘ambassadors’. Enterprise Dunedin is eager to hear from subject matter experts who attend international conferences in their fields, who are either available as keynote speakers locally, or would be willing to assist with bidding for future events for the city. 305 potential opportunities for events to be held here between now and 2028. If successfully brought to Auckland, these events are expected to generate a total economic impact value of just over $140 million and more than 300,000 visitor nights.” The number of conference visitors would fill 8,000 of Auckland’s city centre accommodation rooms for 38 days. “The business events sector is an important stimulus for Auckland’s economy,” Pereira says. “Delegates need to eat and sleep somewhere plus they love to explore the region they visit so our hospitality and accommodation sectors and transport, retail and tourism operators are all benefiting.” On average, an international delegate will spend just over $2,000, a domestic delegate a little over $1,000 and a local delegate $600. Auckland [6] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
TAURANGA’S COMPLETE PACKAGE ENTERTAINMENT | EXHIBITIONS | CONFERENCES | MEETINGS Trustpower Baypark is a premier venue located in New Zealand’s fastest growing city with the country’s favourite Mount holiday beach right on its doorstep. Tauranga and the surrounding areas offer delegates a destination providing top quality facilities in a relaxed atmostphere. “Premier Venue, Stunning Location” • State of the art conference and meeting rooms • Flexible venues for 10 – 4,400 delegates • Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) • In-house catering and audio visual services • Complete marketing/promotional services
[I NDUSTRY I SSUE S photo Kaikōura’s first 4.5-star hotel has opened, timed to welcome the increase in travellers to the region for summer – it’s expected that 70,000 additional visitors will come to the town annually. The 120-room Sudima Kaikōura is situated on the Esplanade, one kilometre from the town’s centre, boasting postcard views from every room of the mountains and sea. It features conference and event space for up to 130 guests, an indoor/outdoor seating restaurant and bar – Hiku, heated pool and gym. Tourism New Zealand is supporting the sustainable future of New Zealand’s business events industry by offering 10 new scholarships for the ICCASkills certification programme. Established by ICCA (the International Congress & Convention Association), ICCASkills is the only globally recognised professional accreditation for every sector of the business events industry. The indepth curriculum has been developed by industry experts, including business leaders, academics and ICCA members, and is delivered through on-site and online learning environments. “New Zealand has invested in amazing new infrastructure and activities for the business events sector, and we need to recruit and retain the best talent to staff them,” explains Tourism New Zealand general manager NZ and business events, Bjoern Spreitzer. “Business events are all about people – it makes sense to support the industry by investing in people. “Encouraging professional development ensures the expertise of our people is recognised at a global level and helps to elevate New Zealand’s event standards.” In addition to providing much-needed accommodation and hosting facilities to the region, the $35m Sudima Kaikōura will employ more than 40 staff. The hotel will become an important part of the local economy as it continues to recover from the impacts of the 2016 earthquake and Covid. “Kaikōura is an important part of New Zealand’s international and domestic tourism offering, and we’re proud to be part of the hospitality offering welcoming visitors to the region,” says Sudima Hotels Tourism New Zealand will share costs with the scholarship recipient’s employer, offering five scholarships for the Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) course for newcomers to the industry; and five scholarships for the Certified International Convention Executive (CICE) course, aimed at providing professional development to those with a minimum of three years in a management role. “ICCASkills is unique. It will harmonise new learnings and professional development in our industry,” says ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath. “There is a genuine desire to do more in terms of the education and upskilling of our people, so learners across the world enjoy the best possible experiences when they attend an event. People absolutely expect the best and ‘the best’ is what ICCASkills is designed to do. “By sharing learning, insight, and knowledge from many different areas, we have created something new, experiential, and worthwhile. We are extremely proud of ICCASkills and thoroughly delighted to be partnering with Tourism New Zealand to support the growth of New Zealand’s business events professionals.” Sudima Kaikoura Sudima Kaikōura Open New Zealand invests in people for the future Christchurch wins geomorphologists meeting chief operating officer, Les Morgan. “We know that having more accommodation options for travellers, such as our 4.5-star hotel, will help to bring additional and highspending tourists, which will have a positive impact across the region as those tourism dollars are spent locally. “Kaikōura is an area of great natural beauty and it is a privilege to share our Sudima hotels’ great hospitality and values with guests who come to enjoy its wonders.” Recently appointed hotel manager of Sudima Kaikōura, Brad McGlynn says, “As the leading hotel group in New Zealand for sustainable and socially responsible accommodation, I am looking forward to ensuring guests are treated to a world-class experience that is steeped in the hotel group’s values.” Christchurch will host the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) Conference in 2026, only the second time the event has come to the Southern Hemisphere. The 11th IAG conference will run for five days at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and is expected to attract 800 to 1000 delegates from around the world, with 63 countries affiliated to the association. ChristchurchNZ head of business events, Megan Crum says the prestigious academic event puts Christchurch on the world stage as an international business events destination. “Not only do we have incredible new infrastructure capable of hosting such a large event, ease of access through our international airport, and a vibrant, compact and walkable city, we also have a location rich in diverse geography and geology,” she says. “Our South Island region is a particular hotspot for landscape investigation, making us a geomorphology knowledge and research hub. The local university, University of Canterbury, is home to one of the largest groups of geomorphology academics and their research topics will be of great interest to IAG delegates.” [8] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
When you come to Rotorua, chances are you’ll meet some of our original hosts from way back. They’re among the best advocates for Rotorua – they love this place and they love sharing what makes our city awesome. It won’t take long for you to see, hear and feel their passion, enthusiasm, sincerity and warmth, and it won’t be long before you realise Rotorua offers a deeper experience than anywhere else in Aotearoa. Meet Joelene Elliott. As she puts it, you can often hear her before you see her. Bright and smiley, outgoing with an unmistakable laugh. When asked what Rotorua offers, she says authenticity is at the heart of it, in terms of our approach from a business perspective. “Being authentic, that’s how I like to conduct myself when I’m talking to people. It’s that genuine care for what the client is wanting to achieve.” Takurua (Tak) Mutu, like a number of our originals, is a Rotorua man through and through. His traditional Māori upbringing, life story, and experiences, from early childhood to purchasing a luxury tour business when he was 25, have set him up with the skills and passion to show people the very best of Rotorua. Let us look after you for your next event Let’s talk businessevents@rotoruanz.com rotoruanz.com/meetings-and-conferences Takurua Mutu, MDA Experiences Joelene Elliott, Rotorua Lakes Council MEET JOeLENE MEET TAK
[ PALME RSTON NORTH – MANAWATU HIDDEN GEM The Palmerston North ~ Manawatū region is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s leading conference destinations. Within 90 minutes drive from four major cities, this central region offers it all ~ culture, sport, nature and city life. Palmy + Manawatū is the place to be. By ShannonWilliams Home to more than 35 conference venues and 3,000 beds, Palmerston North and its surrounds are more than just a conference destination. Those seeking a venue with a difference have the option of hosting their event at an iconic brewery, grand theatre, international motorsport track or a bespoke country club where they can step out of the meeting room and straight onto the green. With a range of versatile venues to suit a wide array of business event requirements, the region also has an incredible catalogue of activities, dining options and retail for delegates to enjoy, ensuring they make the most of their time while in the region. “Palmy and the Manawatū we like to think of as the hidden gem of the lower North Island,” says Palmerston North City Council marketing manager, Jess Ballinger. “We have all the small city benefits with the big city advantages that delegates need,” she says. “Our accommodation providers will move heaven and earth to ensure delegates receive the best experience when they visit our region. And with new hotel investments from the likes of the Safari Group, we are only strengthening our regional advantage as a destination for conferences and business events.” Palmerston North’s airport is only a 10-minute drive to the city centre. And with more than 40 flights a day to all of New Zealand’s major city centres, accessibility is no issue. “Palmy isn’t just full of incredible and versatile venues, it is also a place where you can find the best of the best activities for your delegates,” says Ballinger. “In regards to activities within the region, you get the advantage of having outdoor adventure not 10 minutes from He Ara Kotahi, Palmerston North A d d i t i o n a l p h o t o g r a p h y b y P a l m e r s t o n N o r t h / M a n a w a t u [10] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
numbers and stay within the region. In recent years the region has placed more emphasis on strengthening and developing new attractions and building on existing resources. CEDA’s Manawatū Destination Management Plan outlines opportunities to further develop iconic locations in the region, putting Manawatū firmly on the map for domestic visitors. These opportunities build on existing resources such as the New Zealand Rugby Museum, the Feilding sale yards and Coach House Museum, Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, Manfeild Park and country lodges in the district such as Makoura Lodge and Hiwinui Estate. Covid-19 bounce back Event and delegate numbers were impacted significantly by Covid-19 restrictions during the December 2021 quarter, with national delegate days declining from 431,786 in the December 2020 quarter to 80,387 in the December 2021 quarter. Event numbers declined from 2,719 in the December 2020 quarter to 688 in the December 2021 quarter. However, changes to New Zealand’s alert levels and restrictions have seen the region’s events industry bounce back strongly. “The Palmy Conference + Function Centre has hosted nine national conference PALME RSTON NORTH – MANAWATU] events in the last four months, and has also seen an increase in the number of other conference-type events over the last six months,” Ballinger says. Central Energy Trust Arena hosted four large, national conference events with 600+ attendees across 2021/22 and 2022/23. While these bookings were only 3% of the total venue use by category, they reflected more than 40% of revenue. “We are pleased that both 2021/22 and 2022/23 have seen both utilisation and revenue numbers return to ‘before Covid’ levels, and in fact, showing a slight increase.” Stand out venues Palmy Conference + Function Centre and Central Energy Trust Arena are leading multi-use sports and events facilities taking more than 3,000 bookings a year across both venues. The Conference & Function Centre has a versatile range of function spaces available to accommodate a vast number of guests and attendees under one roof, and in the heart of Palmy’s CBD. The Elwood Room is ideal for large meetings, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, gala dinners, dances and social occasions, with capacity for 550 theatre-style or 320 for a banquet dinner. The room can also be divided into two spaces. Palmy city centre. “From mountain bike trails, mountain ranges, premier parks and glow worm caves, there is something for all.” Visitor market The region is a major destination for visitors, with 4.4 million visitor days in 2021. According to the Manawatū Region Tourism Sector Profile May 2022, the region’s greatest strength is in domestic tourism, which accounts for over 95% of electronic card spending by visitors to the region. Key strengths of the Manawatū region are its central position in New Zealand, and its proximity to the Wellington region. The unique geographic location of Palmy provides a strategic advantage for event organisers. The region has a catchment of more than 1.1 million people within a three-hour drive radius, while the city itself serves as a gateway for those arriving in the region by air. Its central location in the lower North Island places it strongly in the conference and business events market and the secondary school sports events market, both of which contribute significantly to its commercial accommodation nights each year. The events sector and major venues are key players in the attraction of the region’s visitor market, increasing spend, visitor 06 323 744 experience@manfeild.co.nz 59 South Street, Feilding manfeild.co.nz Think Manfeild for your next, meeting, event or training, and experience what New Zealand’s most diverse events centre has to offer. Palmy Conference + Function Centre Central Energy Trust Arena meeting newz [nov dec] 2022 [11]
The Conference Room can accommodate up to 450 people theatre-style and has a permanent stage, ideal for high profile events such as keynotes and panel discussions. The smaller Gallery and Seminar rooms are well suited for lunches, cocktail functions and smaller meetings, while the Boardroom and Meeting Room are ideal for smaller group meetings and presentations. Ballinger says that while the Palmy Conference & Function Centre has a pattern of ‘quiet’ time in the DecemberFebruary period, they are back in business from March with a number of multiple venue/multiple day bookings each week until 30 June 2023. The Central Energy Trust Arena is home to 36 sporting codes and hosts a wide range of events year-round, boasting six arenas. Massey University has a variety of venues on offer, including Wharerata, located on the university campus. A character venue and events centre, the tranquil homestead and gardens provide a private and picturesque backdrop, with indoor-outdoor flow ideal for conferences, weddings, garden parties, gala dinners and celebrations. An upgrade of Massey University’s refectory building is complete after an extensive renovation to bring it back to its former glory. The building is one of the oldest on the Manawatū campus, dating back to the early 1930s. The facilities in the building resemble an old private boarding school. The former dining hall is now the Central Energy Trust Grand Hall, and the upper floors are home to offices and meeting rooms that were formerly matron’s quarters and cook’s quarters. The arena will host several large, nationalscale events between 1 December 2022 and 30 June 2023, including the JuicyFest musical festival, with 15,000 expected attendees, the two-day ENZED Superstock Teams Champs with 16,000 attendees, the BrewDay beer festival, plus a host of sporting events. Manfeild Park One of the larger venues in the region is the 70-hectare property Manfeild Park. While the circuit is built for motor racing, it is also ideally suited for activities including driver training, product launches, hot laps, cycling and skating. Its facilities are ideally suited for corporate functions, presentations, training and planning days. Manfeild’s facilities can offer seating for 10 to 5,000, with a range of corporate suites available for hire for smaller events and functions, including track-side suites and stadium suites, available to host 10 to 200 people. Add to the mix stunning views, parkland and on-site catering options, Manfeild is a natural fit for agricultural, equestrian and motorsport events, as well as conferences, trade shows, expos and training seminars. The Sport & Rugby Institute can be used for a meeting, team building session, conference or fully catered function. Accommodation is also available. There are varying sizes of conference/ meeting rooms, ranging from a large CHARACTER AT MASSEY conference room to the main boardroom with views across the fields. The Sport & Rugby Institute Green Room can be transformed from a high-performance indoor training facility to a function room capable of holding 300 guests. [ PALME RSTON NORTH – MANAWATU Wharerata Manfeild Park Central Energy Trust Arena [12] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
Palmy Venues is a one-stop shop for everything events, with support for large-scale conferences and flexible setup options to exceed all expectations. A dedicated Events Coordinator is on hand every step of the way to bring your delegates together for an unforgettable experience here in the Manawatū. Make our venue, your venue BIG OPPORTUNITIES ARE HERE k office@venuespn.co.nz m 0800 383 688 K venuespn.co.nz Onsite catering Onsite technician Walking distance to accommodation Free car parking
Orlando Country Orlando Country, established in 1999, offers two dedicated event rooms for conferences, seminars, team building days, meetings and product launches. The new Pavilion building is specifically designed with small conferences in mind, suitable for up to 25 guests in a boardroom or u-shape style. The standalone building offers views overlooking the golf course. Meanwhile, the events room is suitable for up to 220 guests depending on seating style. Awapuni Function Centre The Awapuni Function Centre offers purpose-built event spaces, ideal for multi-day conferences and meetings (with our without breakout rooms), gala dinners and trade shows. With 10 different spaces on offer, Awapuni can host up to 700 people theatrestyle in the Silks Lounge (550 banquet-style) and up to 450 in the Eulogy Lounge. A range of smaller spaces include the Rangitikei and Feilding Lounges (40 theatre-style, 16 boardroom), or the Public Terrace, (100 theatre-style or 300 banquet). Copthorne Hotel The Copthorne's Steeple Conference Centre offers four flexible events spaces to suit a range of meeting types, with space from as little as 10 to 150 delegates. The Avenue Room is the largest, offering natural light and balconies on three sides. The A-frame ceiling provides a great setting for dinners and has capacity for 150. The Steeple Room, located on the ground floor of the hotel with natural light on two sides, has capacity for 120 delegates and is ideal for seminars and presentations. The Ferguson Room, also on the ground floor, can be divided up into smaller sections, and has capacity of 100. The Boardroom is located upstairs and offers a A-frame ceiling with natural light, and is ideal for small meetings, interviews or can be used as a breakout room. It has capacity for 30 people. Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre Located in the city's CBD, the Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre is one of the largest conference venues in the lower North Island. The conference facilities cater for up to 500 delegates and offers six different meeting rooms. At 287sqm each, the two Carlton Rooms can be opened to create a ballroom 574sqm in size. These rooms open to a courtyard suitable for up to 200 people cocktail style. The Lombard Room can host up to 50 people cocktail style, or 30 people boardroom or classroom style. Te Manawa Te Manawa Museum offers modern, well-equipped event space in the heart of Palmerston North. The facilities can cater a range of events from small functions to larger events for up to 150 people. Ideal for meetings and seminars, product launches and celebrations, the main foyer can host 150 for cocktails or 100 theatre-style. A venue with a difference, the G5 Art Gallery can host formal dinners or seminars, with an overhead projector and drop-down screen available, and has capacity for 80 seated or 100 standing. The Te Rangahau and Science Education rooms can be divided into two sections, has room for 100 people and has a kitchenette facility. The Wilkins Theatrette can take up to 60 people, or a smaller number in a boardroom layout. The region is continuing to grow, with a new hotel and meeting space confirmed earlier this year. New Zealand-owned and operated Safari Group purchased the former post office building, with plans to develop and restore the heritage building into an 86room, Wyndham-branded hotel and health spa, along with retail opportunities, a conference/meeting facility, and gym. CEDA chief executive Jerry Shearman says the development will significantly lift the region's ability to bid for and host events and conferences. “Our central location has held us in good stead over the years as a great destination for conferences and events, and this additional accommodation capacity is very welcome," he says. Shearman says recent workshops and engagement with stakeholders revealed the region's limited accommodation capacity was a significant issue for the sector. "We know the region and visitor industry will welcome this announcement. To secure this will significantly unlock our region's future opportunities in the events and visitor economy space.” The region has a diverse selection of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, bustling city cafes and awardwinning coffee roasters, vegan and organic dining options. Palmerston North city offers a range of retail options, with the city considered a premiere shopping destination for the lower North Island. The Plaza offers more than 100 shops under one roof and houses all the major brands as well as quality niche stores. In the heart of the city’s arts and culture precinct, George Street also tempts with a range of upmarket boutiques and contemporary cafe WHAT’S NEXT? DINING & RETAIL [ PALME RSTON NORTH – MANAWATU VENUES GALORE A new life for the old post office Little Savanna [14] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
manawatuNZ.co.nz / conference@pncc.govt.nz Taste of Palmy + Manawatū Centrally located, expertly connected, with big city benefits, yet small city convenience and costs, we have all the right ingredients for a successful meeting or conference in Palmy + Manawatū! Makoura Lodge Awapuni Function Centre Refectory Wharerata Manawatū Golf Club Feilding Civic Centre Orlando Country
Emma Ringdahl joins CPG Hotels as the business development manager. Ringdahl will look after the corporate business in Wellington and the South Island and will be based out of Fable Hotel in Christchurch. She has spent the last three years with Orbit World Travel as a client services manager and within the groups and events team. Prior to Orbit Travel she worked at Broughton Hall Estate in the UK as part of the estate leadership and management team. Catherine Bygate has been promoted to sales and marketing manager at Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust after starting with the organisation earlier in the year as a part time event coordinator. Bygate was previously production services coordinator at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre in Australia. She has also been event liaison for Hurunui Tourismwhere she produced the successful Hanmer Springs Fete since 2019. Bygate also runs her own business, Over the Ditch, which sells fashion accessories across New Zealand. Eduard Sarton has been appointed general manager of Cordis Auckland. Sarton started in early October, bringing extensive management experience from across Asia. Sarton started his career in food and beverage at Shangri-La Group, holding a number of senior roles. He has since held general manager positions with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts since 2014. His most recent assignment was general manager for the New World Saigon Hotel, a Rosewood hotel where he managed an inventory of 520 rooms. Jeanette Henshaw has joined ChristchurchNZ Business Events in the new role of business development manager – New Zealand. Henshaw joins ChristchurchNZ from Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) where she has been responsible for delivering the MEETINGS and conference events. Previously she was with Auckland Convention Bureau for six years as marketing and business events services manager. Chris Peak has joined Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as events manager, responsible for BEIA’s key events including the annual MEETINGS exhibition. Peak has been with The Conference Company in Auckland for the past eight years, managing the delivery of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events across New Zealand and Australia for the globally-recognised professional conference organiser (PCO). Carey White is the new director of human resources at Cordis Auckland. White has extensive experience in human resources, especially in hospitality environments where he has worked at a number of international hotel groups including InterContinental and Shangri-La. His work experience has seen him complete assignments across the Maldives, Fiji, UAE, Dubai and New Zealand. Sam Horsnell has been appointed director of sales conference and incentives for Millennium Hotels and Resorts based in Auckland. With over 14 years of hotel operations experience, Horsnell has advanced through progressively more responsible positions in both the hotel and national operations throughout New Zealand with Millennium Hotels and Resorts. Colin McClean is the new general manager for Edgewater Resort beginning in December. McClean was previously general manager hotel operations at SkyCity Entertainment Group based in Auckland and held hotel manager and director of sales roles within the group. Previously McClean was with Accor in management roles throughout New Zealand. Richard Gamlin has joined Jet Park Hotels as group general manager. Gamlin, who has many years of experience managing large hotels overseas in the Philippines, Thailand, China and Vietnam, is thrilled to be back home in New Zealand, where he began his career as a chef in the Royal NZ Airforce. His more than 24 years’ worth of hospitality experience includes time with Hilton, Amari and Teal Vista. Jake Downing has been appointed as director museum and commercial services for Tākina Events including the convention centre operational team. He was previously head of tourism at Wētā Workshop. As a member of Wētā’s executive team, Downing developed Wētā’s tourism operations, including the Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience in Auckland. [PEOPLE ON THE MOVE [16] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
A CONFERENCE LIKE NOOTHER, [TARANAK I in the region like no other TARANAKI HAS BUILT A DESERVED REPUTATION AS A COMPELLING EVENTS DESTINATION, ESTABLISHING AN ENGAGING REGIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME THAT CONTINUES TO GENERATE LASTING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS New Plymouth coastline foreshore Photo: Sky View Photography Delight your conference delegates by choosing to hold your next event in vibrant, sunny Taranaki. Holding the title as New Zealand’s sunniest region, Taranaki has plenty of long sun-filled days to keep the soul happy. When it comes to delivering memorable and seamless conferences and events, and leaving delegates inspired and impressed, Taranaki doesn’t disappoint. Bring your event to the region like no other. The past two years have seen an increased domestic focus, and covid has impacted the way people travel as well as the types of destinations they want to visit - it’s all about fewer crowds, wide-open spaces and the great outdoors, and unique hyper-localised experiences and activities. Taranaki is wellplaced to respond to this renewed appetite to discover something new and different beyond the main centres, and many New Zealanders are seeing New Plymouth/Ngāmotu and its surrounds for the first time, or are returning for a fresh look after many years. Reflecting on the region’s past shows its current strengths. For more than 100 years, Taranaki has been the home of energy in New Zealand and the creator of the country’s first dairy exports, alongside robust engineering, and primary production, and an engrained entrepreneurial spirit. The region is humming with the skills and expertise of generations of industry experience and is the perfect location for industry specific conferences and events. With the ability to host small to large scale events such as regular favourites [18] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
See why New Zealand’s sunniest region, Taranaki, was judged one of the world’s top destinations, and why its venues and attractions are reflecting a growing number of unique conferences and events. To find out more contact info@venture.org.nz Pouākai Tarn A DESTINATION THAT REFLECTS YOUR EVENT taranaki.co.nz/visit TARANAK I] WOMAD, TSB Festival of Lights, and Taranaki Garden Festival, to name a few, New Plymouth in particular is proving increasingly popular with small and medium-sized events seeking a different destination, well-appointed facilities and a memorable experience to support the main event. Taranaki offers an impressively diverse range of business events options. From a dinner on the main stage of the Bowl of Brooklands, surrounded by native bush and the natural amphitheatre, to a cocktail function in the foyer of the award-winning and internationally recognised Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/ Len Lye Centre, there is a range of unique locations on offer, supported by a range of accommodation options and Qualmarked transport providers throughout the region. Taranaki is easily accessible from the main centres and has ample accommodation including boutique hotels, corporate motels and we are well represented by the popular hotel chains. We’re just around the corner, after your memorable event it’s well worth staying a bit longer outside of the event dates to enjoy all the region has to offer. Immerse delegates into the region with so much on offer – the maunga, the sea, the gardens, the parks, the bursting café and restaurant scene to the galleries, and museums. Wow delegates further with a customised tour through local operator Discover Taranaki who can give organisers and delegates authentic and behind-the-scenes experiences with local growers, producers, and restaurants. Connect with the whenua and get up close to our native wildlife with a night tour at the thriving biodiverse environment at Rotokare Scenic Reserve. Or, experience a mini masterclass in all things gin at New Plymouth’s award-winning Juno Gin premium distillery and cellar door. Whether you’re looking at bringing a business event for 100 people to Taranaki or an event that attracts thousands, Taranaki is a region that will not disappoint. The region offers a magical mix of welcoming venues from a theatre stage or old dairy factory Novotel New Plymouth meeting newz [nov dec] 2022 [19]
[TARANAK I through to city-based hotel conference rooms and venues with fresh air and sea views and options for larger scale events. Venture Taranaki has the Taranaki Conference Toolkit, which can be provided to business event organisers or downloaded online through the Venture Taranaki website. This covers impartial information and advice on venues, accommodation, transport options, activity and service providers. Venture Taranaki can also assist with arranging destination familiarisations, assisting in developing partner programmes, supplying regional images and information – and much more. VENUES Lovingly created from the former Ohangai school and community hall offers expansive views over farmland towards Taranaki maunga. Warm hospitality in a spacious, modern environment with space to accommodate 160 indoor delegates and 500 outdoor. Delegates can take a 10-minute drive to Hāwera, and immerse themselves in local culture at Tawhiti Museum, which is widely regarded as the best private museum in Aotearoa. Delight and educate delegates as they explore thousands of life-size models and scale figures that tell the Taranaki history. Several accommodation providers within region cater for the business sector, making each day that much easier and reducing the amount of travel time to and from the conference venue. Central to New Plymouth city, we have a range of choice for conference venues. Such as 100% New Zealand owned and operated Distinction Hotel and Conference Centre. Located in the heart of the CBD offering a range of business spaces to suit all of your meeting, conference and event needs, this space can cater for functions of up to 225 guests with four conference rooms and built-in bar facilities. Nice Hotel offers two meeting rooms that can cater for up to 50 delegates and boasts a stunning tropical garden to enjoy the awardwinning Taranaki sunshine and is home to the award-winning Table restaurant. Looking for something a bit different? A beach view perhaps? Make the most of the spectacular views over the Tasman Sea by booking your conference into Belt Holiday Park. With capacity for 40 delegates, conveniently located within New Plymouth city, this is the perfect seaside spot to get closer to nature, breathe in the fresh air and embrace the natural wonders the region has to offer. Make it an experience and stay on at the park for the evening or two. Stratford Mountain House is a boutique conference space ideal for small conferences, meetings, outdoor/indoor team building activities, and company retreats. With excellent, spacious accommodation and full catering ensuring it is a popular venue for all types of conferences, it's 45 minutes’ drive from New Plymouth Airport. Fifteen minutes from New Plymouth, TET Stadium & Events Centre is a multipurpose sports and functions venue with three functional spaces. Whether you’re planning a simple meeting for four, a training session for 30, or a conference or Christmas function for 250 guests, TET Stadium & Events Centre will provide a superb facility for your event. It has everything you would expect at a top function centre available, including audiovisual facilities, WiFi, copying and printing, event management, ample car parking and it’s all in one centrally located venue, no matter where you are in Taranaki. To top it all off, Taranaki maunga forms a stunning backdrop to the stadium and events centre. For assistance with bringing a conference to Taranaki contact the local Economic Development Agency, Venture Taranaki on 06 759 5150, info@venture.org.nz or visit Taranaki.co.nz and search for ‘conferences and events’ to quickly and easily download the Conference Toolkit. Stratford Mountain House Street Art Huatoki Photo: Rob Tucker Ohangai [20] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
• Award-winning locations with flexibility and functionality. • An incredible mountain to coast location. • Year round events calendar. • World class attractions. • Flourishing food scene... and so much more! Why choose us Four distinct venues. One unforgettable event. Find out what sets us apart. npeventvenues@npdc.govt.nz 06 759 6060 npeventvenues.nz TARANAK I] TSB SHOWPLACE TSB Showplace is an historic theatre complex in the heart of New Plymouth, surrounded by variety of accommodation, trendy cafes and tourist attractions. With seven different spaces within the venue, TSB Showplace has the flexibility to cater for small meetings for 20 through to large conferences for up to 500, with several breakout areas. The venue offers two main auditoriums, TSB Theatre and Theatre Royal, both unique in character. The TSB Theatre (previously known as the Opera House) is ornately decorated and exudes theatrical ambience, while the Theatre Royal is a multipurpose performance auditorium. TSB Showplace is continually upgrading its spaces and recently added new luxurious green wall drapes, golden house curtain and new LED lighting system with adjustable coloured lighting according to themes in the Theatre Royal, and a new lighting system in the TSB Theatre. One of the smaller spaces, the Theatre Royal Lounge, has been NEW PLYMOUTH NEW PLYMOUTH EVENT VENUES (NPEV) HAS FOUR DISTINGUISHED AND DIVERSE VENUES FOR EVENTS. EVENT VENUES TSB Showplace TSB Theatre meeting newz [nov dec] 2022 [21]
[TARANAK I completely refurbished to provide an accessible, adaptable and efficient space that removes delegates from the chaos of the street above into deluxe comfort. Perfect for pre-show client hosting events, the Theatre Royal Lounge also suits stand alone cocktail parties, product launches, Christmas functions and weddings. Coming up in 2025 is the TSB Showplace’s centenary year when projects planned around the celebrations could be incorporated into a business event. TSB STADIUM With its smart design functions, and 2,200 square metres of uninterrupted floor space, TSB Stadium can accommodate commercial events, trade shows or gala dinner functions for up to 800 people. The conference and exhibition space can be turned around for an evening dinner, and a mezzanine floor offers two rooms for smaller meetings, workshops, presentations or breakout spaces. There is ample car parking on-site. Recently the venue has installed new large digital screens that can be utilised for event signage and sponsor advertising. Coming up, the venue is upgrading its bathroom facilities which are due to be completed in late 2023. BOWL OF BROOKLANDS Taranaki's biggest and most iconic concert venue, the Bowl of Brooklands, is situated within the beautiful Pukekura Park. This is the perfect venue to wow guests for an evening function. There’s something special about being on the stage where Sir Elton John has performed to thousands of fans. With the natural amphitheatre and permanent stage over the lake, it provides a fantastic location not only for concerts up to approx 15,000 but for small to medium sized events for up to 350 people on the stage. YARROW STADIUM Currently undergoing redevelopment, Yarrow Stadium is a legendary venue in the region with stunning views over Mount Taranaki. Each of its Meeting Suites can accommodate up to 80 people and will be available in early 2023 with the larger conference facilities and proposed complex completion due in 2024. ZERO WASTE – NPEV As a council department, New Plymouth Event Venues (NPEV) has, and continues to take, progressive measures to reduce waste at its venues and events, in alignment with the New Plymouth District Council goal to achieve zero waste from council operations by 2026. The key strategies adopted include to firstly rethink and reduce the waste items brought in; to select reusable, recyclable, compostable items forming a plan to manage and successfully separate those streams once in the venue; and organise to remove the waste responsibly, noting volumes for reporting and goal-setting. Over the last year NPEV and event organisers have achieved an 87% diversion rate across all events, with 11 tonnes of waste being recycled or composted. TSB Stadium Dinner Yarrow Stadium Meeting Suite TSB Showplace Theatre Royal Lounge [22] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=