Meeting Newz September / October 2020

[ HOK IANGA A P L A C E O F D I S C O V E RY H O K I ANG A Intricately linked with the story of Kupe, home of the giant kauri of the Waipoua Forest, boasting a natural harbour with huge sand dunes and still little known by many New Zealanders, the Hokianga lends itself to an event focused on discovery (or rediscovery) and connection. With the disruptions to teams (and spirits) in 2020, those themes will be more important than ever next year and beyond. Kiri Atkinson-Crean, market development with NZ Māori Tourism, says that as companies and other organisations come out of a time of intense sadness and lockdown a region like Hokianga allows people to reconnect not only with themselves but also the power of nature. “Obviously there is the strong Māori connection, but also a community feel rather than a resort setting. It operates on fundamental values that are so important.” Atkinson-Crean says that over the next few weeks a number of developments will take place, with plans for a raised boardwalk through Waipoua Forest. Any development will be done in an environmentally sensitive way and led by Mana Whenua. “Post COVID, a destination like Hokianga will be an exceptional place to meet. It is still untouched and unharmed, the beginning of everything. It feels very spiritual, raw and real.” The Hokianga works well in combination with the Bay of Islands on the opposite coast, but is also a business events destination in its own right. Luxury villas at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort lend themselves to the high end incentive and retreat markets for groups of around 10 (as do experiences such as Footprints Waipoua). However the 43-room hotel is also adept at holding conferences in the region of 100 people. Beach in front of the Copthorne Hokianga Villa courtyard and spa at Copthorne Hokianga [14] meeting newz [september october] 2020