Around New Zealand
CINZ and BECA to join forces
Thursday, 11 June 2020 03:12Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) and the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) have announced a joint agreement which will see both organisations collaborate on issues mutually affecting their markets.
NZ allows multiple groups of 100 in conference venues
Monday, 01 June 2020 03:55New Zealand’s business events sector has received a boost with confirmation large events with separate groups of 100 can now go ahead.
Virtual Reality event to Christchurch in 2022
Monday, 18 May 2020 02:40The world’s largest and most prestigious virtual reality conference will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 2022.
Domestic activity kicks off to support domestic tourism restart
Tuesday, 12 May 2020 23:17Tourism New Zealand’s activity to support the recovery of the tourism industry begins this week as the country moves to alert level 2 and safe travel starts.
Alexandra Park functions to be placed in hibernation
Wednesday, 06 May 2020 23:33With the impact of Covid-19 on the Hospitality and Events industries, together with extended physical distancing and the general curtailment of mass gatherings, Alexandra Park has had to re-evaluate the viability of its’ functions business. This is the stark reality shared by many in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Fieldays 2020 pioneering a digital future
Friday, 24 April 2020 04:33The future of Fieldays is secure despite the ongoing developments of the COVID-19 virus. Event organisers, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, are pioneering an entirely new experience of Fieldays that will ensure its longevity in an age of social isolation and measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Visitors will get a taste of the event via a virtual experience on digital platforms until the physical event is able to take place.
Following the governmental announcement on Monday 16th of March, to cancel all large gatherings of over 500 people, the Society knew this was an opportunity to adapt the Fieldays event in an innovative way.
Tax Relief for tourism businesses
Monday, 20 April 2020 21:00The new business support measures announced by the Government last Friday will come as a relief to thousands of struggling tourism businesses, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.
Mighty Local campaign launches across Waikato
Sunday, 12 April 2020 22:41A ‘Mighty Local’ campaign is underway to share Waikato stories, public messages and promote local essential services to boost businesses affected by the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 national lockdown.
Events Industry facing challenging times.
Tuesday, 07 April 2020 21:22Event organisers, suppliers, venues and artists in New Zealand are among those in a fight for survival with the global coronavirus pandemic causing a 100 per cent loss in activities and revenue, even before the country’s alert level 4 lockdown came into effect.
Pickers and Packers needed for Kiwifruit industry
Wednesday, 18 March 2020 02:12Picking of New Zealand’s kiwifruit crop is underway and harvest organisers are pulling out all the stops to find the workers they’ll need for the season – with a particular focus on attracting kiwis into the sector.
A FIRST FOR AUCKLAND WHALE & SAFARI
Wednesday, 18 March 2020 02:07Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari (AWADS) is the first whale-watching operator in New Zealand to be awarded with a ‘Responsible Whale Watching Operator’ certification by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA).
Pony up your posse and get your friday social on
Wednesday, 11 March 2020 23:19Alexandra Park Sales and Marketing Manager, Kim Walsh is calling companies to "Get their social on and do Friday's different."
Airport redevelopment for Taupo
Monday, 02 March 2020 23:11Taupō District mayor David Trewavas has welcomed the announcement from regional economic development minister Shane Jones outlining $5.87m of government funding for the re-development of the Taupō Airport.
KJet launches Time Tripper
Monday, 24 February 2020 21:38KJet Queenstown has completely renovated their Underwater Observatory offering into a state-of-the-art animated show and immersive experience ‘Time Tripper’ located under the Main Town Pier, Lake Wakatipu.
Business event wins for Wellington
Friday, 21 February 2020 20:18
WellingtonNZ’s Business Events team had 34 bid wins in 2019, for conferences across a broad range of industries including computational engineering, medical science, environmental studies and public law.
Business events first for ChristchurchNZ
Wednesday, 19 February 2020 21:20Otautahi Christchurch announced at AIME 2020 that it will be joining forces with Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and Tourism New Zealand to launch itself as a world class events destination. It is the city’s first ever business events marketing campaign and will launch in Australia in March.
Auckland and New York sign agreement
Tuesday, 18 February 2020 05:52NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organisation, and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) today signed a first-ever official tourism agreement between the two cities.
Auckland Zoo set to benefit from hotel guests
Thursday, 06 February 2020 01:16Much-needed funds to support conservation efforts in the wild, around New Zealand and overseas, will be getting a boost thanks to the mindfulness and generosity of guests at Auckland’s leading boutique accommodation, Hotel Grand Windsor.
Go with Tourism expo hits the road
Monday, 03 February 2020 00:07Go with Tourism, New Zealand’s first job connector platform, is partnering with New Zealand Careers Expo to deliver exhibitions in Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington in May and June 2020.
Braided river façade one quarter complete at Te Pae Christchurch
Wednesday, 22 January 2020 23:13The braided river effect of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre’s façade is taking shape, with CPB Contractors having now installed a quarter of the 43,000 herringbone tiles.
Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman, says achieving this iconic look has been a significant feat of architecture and engineering.
Vodafone Events Centre announce new caterers
Monday, 20 January 2020 01:05Second Nature Charitable Trust, owner of the Vodafone Events Centre has announced Collective Hospitality as its new caterers for both the events centre and Vector Wero Whitewater Park.
Jet Park flies into Hamilton Airport
Monday, 09 December 2019 00:46The official opening of Jet Park Hamilton Airport late last week signals part of an overall development that will support regional tourism, conferences and other business events and growth of the Waipa / Waikato region, attendees at the event heard.
Rotorua Energy Events Centre looking to international business events
Monday, 11 November 2019 01:56Rotorua Energy Events Centre Manager, Joelene Elliott has just returned from the International Convention Association Congress in Houston Texas, where Rotorua was well and truly placed on the international business events map.
Avocado experts on their way
Tuesday, 05 November 2019 00:49New Zealand will welcome thousands of international avocado experts in 2023 after winning the bid to host the 10th World Avocado Congress (WAC).
Tourism New Zealand’s Global manager business events Lisa Gardiner says: “We’re delighted that the World Avocado Congress is coming to New Zealand. This is a huge boost for our local avocado industry and a chance to showcase New Zealand’s horticulture industry to thousands of influential international guests. It also provides the opportunity to access innovation, global knowledge and science to support the growth of the sector.”
Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa to open in December
Monday, 21 October 2019 20:46Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley Winery will open its five-star Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa in just over two months.
Conference winners recognised at event
Thursday, 10 October 2019 01:05An impressive 32 international conferences out of 89 tendered for, were won by bidders from New Zealand this year, an accomplishment that was celebrated at the Tourism New Zealand 2019 Business Events National Awards Dinner at the Auckland War Memorial Museum last night.
Record cruise season forecast for 2019/2020
Wednesday, 02 October 2019 22:03The first week of October marks the beginning of a record breaking summer cruise season, according to the New Zealand Cruise Association.
New Incentive & Events Company for Invercargill
Wednesday, 25 September 2019 21:21The TW Events & Incentives team have decades of experience in the industry. From left, Maree Tressler, Catherine Skerrett, Adam Reinsfield, and Rachel Robinson.
A growing reputation for delivering world-class events in southern New Zealand has seen tourism hub Transport World launch its own events and incentives company.
Ziptrek Ecotours shows conservation creds
Sunday, 22 September 2019 23:27Pioneering eco-tourism company Ziptrek Ecotours has been proudly wearing its conservation credentials on its sleeve last week.
Auckland to host 18th Australasian tunnelling conference in 2022
Sunday, 22 September 2019 23:14Auckland has secured another business event for 2022, with the largest tunnelling conference in Australasia coming our way.
Dunedin Convention Bureau rebrands
Monday, 16 September 2019 00:14The Dunedin Convention Bureau has announced a rebranding to Dunedin Business Events, reflecting a growing trend in the national conference industry.
CINZ MEETINGS 2020 goes live for Hosted Buyers
Monday, 09 September 2019 01:17Online registration is now live for Hosted Buyers ready to sign up for New Zealand’s business events showcase, MEETINGS 2020 in Auckland next April.
Run by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), the annual MEETINGS exhibition is home to more than 190 exhibitors from 20 regions of New Zealand, who come together on one easy-to-navigate show floor.
Top Tourism Businesses named as Awards Finalists
Thursday, 05 September 2019 00:21Established tourism operators will go head to head with newer businesses in this year’s New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Direct flights from Auckland to Invercargill to stay
Wednesday, 28 August 2019 04:25Air New Zealand’s much anticipated direct AKL-INV A320 service took off on 25 August to become the airline’s longest domestic jet service at two hours.
CINZ announces MEETINGS’ return to Ōtautahi Christchurch in 2021
Monday, 26 August 2019 05:42New Zealand’s premier annual business events showcase, CINZ MEETINGS 2021 will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch for the first time in 13 years.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts elite sponsor of New Zealand Fashion week
Monday, 12 August 2019 02:12Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand is again a proud sponsor of New Zealand Fashion Week. As the social and accommodation hub for designers, buyers, and guests coming into town for the festival, Grand Millennium Hotels Auckland is in the heart of the action with the move of the NZFW show to the Aotea Centre.
Pink paddling event won by Waikato
Thursday, 08 August 2019 23:52Up to 5000 breast cancer paddlers are expected in the Waikato in 2022 for the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC) festival.
CINZ Conference 2019 set to inspire new thinking
Monday, 05 August 2019 00:17Registration is now open for the Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Annual Conference and AGM to be held in Queenstown from 29 to 31 October.
Skyline Queenstown launches Night Luge experience
Sunday, 28 July 2019 22:58Skyline Queenstown has just installed 225 lights and 5.5km of cabling on its luge tracks now making night luging possible.
Team Up Events acquire Elevate Corporate Team Events
Wednesday, 24 July 2019 00:56Elevate Corporate Team Events has been operating for some 23 years and has delivered over 3,800 corporate team events during this time. Elevate has widely been regarded as the original pioneer of corporate team building in New Zealand.
Hawke's Bay Opera House team expands
Monday, 22 July 2019 11:53The Hawke’s Bay Opera House Arts & Events Precinct is set to open at the end of February next year, and in preparation three new appointments have been made to the team overseeing the facility.
New Hobbiton Hub presents opportunity for small business events and conferences
Monday, 15 July 2019 04:03Hobbiton™ Movie Set is on its way to completing its latest development set to open before the end of 2019. The structure, or ‘Hobbiton Hub’ as it is referred to, is an architecturally designed building situated at the top of the visitor carpark at The Shires Rest™. The 1200m2 building will bring all of the business functions under one big roof for the first time, including administration, sales and marketing, accounts, operations and reservations.
Celebrity Speakers launch new website
Sunday, 07 July 2019 22:19Celebrity Speakers is celebrating 30 years in business in November. To celebrate they are pulling out all the stops with expansion into America, a brand redesign, commissioning world-first industry research, welcoming additional staff to the team and finally launching a new website.
Lower Hutt event centre earn 5 star Qualmark rating
Monday, 01 July 2019 10:43In the 10thmonth of its operation, Lower Hutt Events Centre has earned a 5 Star Qualmark rating with a Silver tier Sustainable Business award on 21stMay 2019. Evaluated on the 16thof April 2019, the venue showcased its superior operational capabilities and venue design.
Te Pae Christchurch sets sights on Europe
Monday, 01 July 2019 07:03In the lead up to opening in October 2020, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has expanded its global reach into Europe by appointing leading international representation company, Worldwide Convention Specialists to support its lead generation activities.
Brackenridge embraces ‘TIAKI’ and invites guests to make 'the promise'
Sunday, 23 June 2019 23:04Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa in Martinborough, South Wairarapa has pledged support for the Tiaki Promise, which is, in short a set of guiding principles for visitors to follow, outlining how they can positively contribute to preserving and protecting New Zealand.
Standing out at Fieldays
Thursday, 20 June 2019 02:52An exhibition stand that featured ‘blender bikes’ has won the Fieldays’ inaugural Contribution to Sustainability Award. The stand, by Zespri International, involved visitors creating their own smoothie masterpieces through the power of simple pedalling.
Standing out at Fieldays
Thursday, 20 June 2019 02:48An exhibition stand that featured ‘blender bikes’ has won the Fieldays’ inaugural Contribution to Sustainability Award. The stand, by Zespri International, involved visitors creating their own smoothie masterpieces through the power of simple pedalling.
Again Again at the Zoo Zoo
Wednesday, 12 June 2019 02:57From 11 June (launch of Again Again in Auckland) Zoo visitors wanting a hot brew to go rather than a sit down hot drink in café crockery, can use their own re-usable cup or borrow an Again Again cup for a refundable $3 deposit.
Peppers Parehua awarded dark sky friendly status
Sunday, 09 June 2019 23:08Martinborough’s Peppers Parehua has become the latest local business awarded Dark Sky Friendly status in another step toward making South Wairarapa an international dark sky reserve. General Manager Nathan Maynard has signed the Martinborough Dark Sky Society’s charter that requires the business to ensure its lighting meets the rules of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) for managing night-time light pollution.
Auckland ranks third in Australasia for attracting business events
Monday, 03 June 2019 05:55Auckland has ranked third out of all Australasian cities for the number of business events it hosts, overtaking Brisbane, Australia in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings.
New Zealand’s largest city hosted 39 international association events in 2018 that meet ICCA criteria. The figure has moved Auckland up one place from 4th in 2017. Sydney and Melbourne took the number one and two spots for Australasia respectively. Out of all cities in Asia-Pacific, Auckland ranks 17th.
Head of Auckland Convention Bureau, Anna Hayward, says it’s fantastic to see Auckland featuring in the top three ICCA rankings for Australasia.
'Auckland’s business events industry has been working hard to promote the region as a premium international business events destination and this ranking highlights our growing popularity,' she says. 'It’s an exciting time for Auckland, we are getting closer by the day to the completion of the New Zealand International Convention Centre, there remains a solid pipeline of investment in infrastructure to support the visitor economy, as well as strong pool of professionals supporting events here.'
Adding to the business events offering this year has been the opening of the Domes at Auckland Zoo, offering a truly unique experience for event organisers, able to cater for up to 350 delegates. Refurbishments have also recently been completed on Auckland’s leading performing arts and events hub, Aotea Centre. Next month, Park Hyatt will open providing a welcome luxury addition to Auckland’s accommodation offering. Over the next five years 4,000-plus hotel rooms are in the pipeline with other leading international brands Ritz Carlton and Intercontinental joining the mix.
The NZ International Convention Centre (NZICC) will however be the “game-changer for Auckland,' says Hayward. 'NZICC gives Auckland the chance to attract a larger and new pool of international business events we’ll anticipate over time to further improve Auckland and New Zealand’s international rankings'.
NZICC will have the capacity to host 4,000 people for one-off events, or 3,000 people for conferences, exhibitions or dinners. With 32,500sqm of floor space it will be New Zealand’s largest purpose-built convention centre.It is set to open in 2020 and is already proving to be a popular venue, with a number of large-scale events already secured, including hosting some of the APEC events in 2021, culminating with Leaders’ Week in November where world leaders from 21 Pacific-rim countries will be in attendance.
The ICCA releases its ‘Country & City Rankings’ report annually.
Wellington steps up impressively
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 05:14The new Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre (WCEC) will have more than 10,000 sqm of purpose-built exhibition area and conference space for up to 1700 people, a 2500 sqm exhibition floor, two large, flexible plenary halls and meeting rooms, and a gala dinner capacity of 1400 people.
Auckland secures bid for global education event
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 04:23Auckland has secured the bid for the 34th International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI), which will be hosted by The University of Auckland, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, from 21 – 24 January 2021.
New Zealand on show for international business event organisers
Sunday, 19 May 2019 23:25International business event organisers will be converging on Auckland next week for New Zealand’s biggest showcase of conference and incentive products, on 29 and 30 May at ASB Showgrounds.
