Around New Zealand
Sunflower Scheme at Sudima Hotels
Monday, 16 May 2022 21:31Sudima Hotel Group has rolled out the Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme across all hotels, spas and restaurants making it the first fully accessible hotel group in New Zealand.
Industry Conference to look forward not back
Monday, 09 May 2022 20:47The New Zealand Hospitality Conference is back in-person in July after a two-year hiatus and with a big focus on the future.
Rotorua Matariki Dish Challenge launched
Monday, 09 May 2022 20:25The stars will be shining brightly on the culinary scene in Rotorua this winter with eateries across the region entering the Matariki Dish Challenge.
Te Pae Christchurch Welcomes First Conference
Monday, 09 May 2022 10:29Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has officially welcomed its first conference through the Centre’s doors, kick starting a full roster of more than 100 events scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Wellington - The future is looking strong
Tuesday, 03 May 2022 02:28With New Zealand’s borders now reopened, capital city Wellington is preparing for a busy roster of in-person events in 2022.
Air New Zealand to move head office to its Auckland airport
Tuesday, 26 April 2022 22:57Air New Zealand has approved in-principle a project to centralise its Auckland workforce at a refurbished airport campus in 2024.
Groups are back - Incentives soon
Tuesday, 26 April 2022 20:34Offshore group travel is back in a big way and incentives won’t be far behind, says Kim Herd of Venture Travel.
Te Pae Christchurch Achieves Gold Standard in Sustainability
Monday, 18 April 2022 09:17Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has expanded its sustainability credentials, receiving a Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award from Qualmark.
Ready to welcome back Australian visitors
Tuesday, 12 April 2022 02:44New Zealand tourism operators are ready with open arms to welcome back Australian visitors tonight, Tuesday 12th April, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram.
Big day out planned for business events show in Christchurch
Monday, 04 April 2022 09:26New Zealand’s premier business events tradeshow, MEETINGS is heading to Ōtautahi Christchurch and event organisers from across the country can now register to visit for the day on 15 or 16 June.
Second Nature Charitable Trust continue to raise the bar for charity
Monday, 04 April 2022 09:15Second Nature Charitable Trust, owner and operator of Vodafone Events Centre and Vector Wero Whitewater Park, has been able to deliver a community good value of more than $725,000 despite a second year of lockdowns and disruptions brought about by COVID.
Tākina Events is formed
Thursday, 31 March 2022 21:25Organising a business event in Wellington could become even easier for event planners with two venues combining under one umbrella – Tākina Events.
MEETINGS 2022 signals new era for New Zealand business events
Monday, 07 March 2022 00:35A new host city, a brand new venue and a host of new exhibitors are set to be unveiled at Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s MEETINGS 2022 on 15 and 16 June in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Central Otago tops visitor spend growth
Thursday, 17 February 2022 22:43Central Otago has come out on top of the list of 31 regions recording growth in total visitor spend for 2021. The region recorded a 19.3% growth in spend compared to 2020 – with the next closest region being Clutha at 19.1% and is well ahead of the national average of 4%. Spend on retail was the most significant proportion of visitor spend in the region at 65%.
“Although 2021 continually provided new challenges caused by the COVID pandemic to every corner of New Zealand, particularly with the ongoing limitations for travel and business, we should celebrate these results and be thankful that our community has benefitted from the commitment of New Zealanders to explore their own country” says Dylan Rushbrook, General Manager Tourism Central Otago.”
"Visitors have always been important to Central Otago’s economy, as in our small communities those employed in tourism are the same people who are volunteer fire fighters, school bus drivers, club volunteers, and so on, the roles that are the very fabric of our communities.”
Independent Visitor Insight Research undertaken in the latter half of 2021, reaffirmed that visitors’ expectations are exceeded when they visit Central Otago and that it has strong appeal for short breaks and holidays. The research highlights that the success of the region is in its authentic experiences, people and environment.
Despite the positive results, there is obvious concern around the immediate impacts of the Omicron outbreak on our local operators, and the wider region. The ongoing difficulties being faced by Central Otago’s primary gateways – Queenstown in particular, will create flow on effects that could stretch well into the future.
Half of hospitality will pay ultimate price for Red setting survey shows
Monday, 14 February 2022 22:3958% of hospitality owners have told a survey last week that they are preparing for insolvency within the next three months, and Hospitality NZ says the growing Omicron case numbers could affect the viability of even more businesses.
Flexibility with self-isolation needed says TIA
Thursday, 03 February 2022 03:16Today’s border reopening announcements and the 5 step plan are welcome but the Government must be prepared to remove self-isolation requirements as soon as health risks lessen, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
TIA spokesperson Ann-Marie Johnson says the staged opening of the border announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is a positive step towards reconnecting friends and family, and the return of visitors on working holiday visas from March will be welcome news to many employers in tourism and other industries who are struggling to find staff.
But the Government’s willingness to be flexible and remove self-isolation requirements ahead of schedule will be essential to the survival of the visitor economy. While these requirements are in place, New Zealand remains off the radar for international travellers.
“We are pleased that Prime Minister Ardern stated the potential to move dates forward as we move through each reopening phase. The sooner we can signal intentions and timelines for reopening without the requirement for self-isolation, the sooner the industry can get its preparations underway,” says Ms Johnson.
In its latest visitor insights research, strategy company Angus & Associates found that despite the emergence of Omicron in the community, the majority of Kiwis still support a reopening of the border now.
“The need for self-isolation is questionable, especially if Omicron becomes endemic in the community as modelling suggests. With risks equalised between New Zealand and overseas, the rationale for keeping self-isolation rules in place no longer exists.”
In a letter to Tourism Minister Stuart Nash earlier this week, TIA noted that quarantine-free travel should be possible within the second quarter of 2022, once the health concerns from the Omicron wave have abated.
This would be a beacon of hope for the tourism industry, which otherwise faces another winter of difficult trading conditions.
“The single biggest issue for restarting international tourism is to remove the self-isolation requirements. Requiring international visitors to spend the first seven days in isolation will mean very limited arrivals. Most tourism operators will have to survive through another long winter before they can expect potential visitors,” says Ms Johnson.
“Airlines and cruise operators that are part of the global systems need long lead times for scheduling and selling their routes and capacity.”
TIA says continued targeted Government support for businesses in the visitor economy is needed until the requirements are relaxed, to ensure business’ survival. Otherwise, the coming months will result in many more business closures and job losses.
TRENZ Hui moves to Eden park for 2022
Monday, 17 January 2022 00:09For the first time ever, Auckland’s Eden Park will host TRENZ Hui, New Zealand’s premier international tourism business event.
It’s exciting that one of Auckland’s biggest visitor drawcards will become the venue for working on the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s international visitor market, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.
TRENZ Hui will be held on 24-25 May 2022 (note these dates have changed from an earlier announcement about TRENZ 2022 to avoid a clash with the equivalent trade event in Australia).
“We are planning another event like the successful TRENZ Hui we held in Christchurch in May 2021, updating international market-ready New Zealand tourism operators on how they can prepare for the return of international visitors,” TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says.
“Unfortunately, due to the border situation in New Zealand this will be a seller-only event. International buyers will be unable to attend but will be able to connect with sellers at our TRENZ Connect online events.”
The format of TRENZ Hui 2022 means TIA, which manages the event for the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, was able to consider venues that had not been able to host TRENZ in the past.
Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says: “Eden Park is globally recognised as one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism attractions. With a 118-year history, the Park’s hallowed turf is on the bucket list for global sports enthusiasts, and walking into the changing rooms of rugby and cricket legends can be a surreal experience.
“We are delighted to be rolling out the red carpet for TRENZ Hui in 2022 and showcasing the stadium’s many tourism and cultural experiences. Our commitment to innovation has seen the team develop a vast portfolio of attractions including Staydium Glamping, the Sky Sport Rooftop Tour, Haka on the Park and our famous stadium tours. We look forward to the opportunity to connect and engage with our tourism industry whānau at TRENZ Hui 2022.”
Auckland Unlimited Director – Investment and Industry Pam Ford says: “We are very excited to welcome our industry whānau to Tāmaki Makaurau for this important tourism business event.
”While there’s no question the tourism sector has been hit hard by the pandemic – with everyone having to adjust and adapt to a completely new environment – this hui will be an opportunity for people to reconnect, network, do business while showcasing all that Aotearoa has to offer.”
Registrations for TRENZ Hui 2022 will open in March.
In 2023, TRENZ will move to Ōtautahi Christchurch on 9-11 May.
Meanwhile, the new TRENZ Connect digital platform, which was launched at the end of September, is getting strong support from both New Zealand tourism operators and international travel buyers. More than 230 New Zealand operators have already registered on the platform and over 110 buyer companies.
Planning is underway for the first virtual event on the platform in 2022.
“TRENZ Connect users are finding that the platform is a valuable way for them to connect, to prepare for the time when we can once again welcome international manuhiri,” Mr Roberts says.
Operators can sign up for TRENZ Connect at any time and will need to be registered in advance to take part in the virtual events.
TRENZ Connect is designed to be a ‘legacy platform’, keeping New Zealand tourism operators connected with international buyers throughout the year, and supporting future physical TRENZ events.
TRENZ Connect has been developed with funding support from the New Zealand Government’s Regional Events Fund.
Wellington signs multi-year event deal with NZ Game Developers Association
Tuesday, 21 December 2021 02:00The New Zealand Game Developers Association has collaborated with Wellington in a multi-year partnership to increase investment and grow the talent pool in the creative digital content sector.
Agency rings in 2022 with race events
Tuesday, 14 December 2021 08:19What is hoped to be a hobbit forming event on at least an annual basis, the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon is one of the events set to keep Matt Reilly of The Events Agency busy in 2022.
Auckland secures new conference for 2024
Monday, 13 December 2021 21:29Auckland has been picked as the host city for the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology Conference in 2024.
Auckland wins best meetings and conference destination in Oceania
Sunday, 28 November 2021 23:08Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has been named the best meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) destination in Oceania at the World MICE Awards 2021.
Fable Christchurch is open
Thursday, 18 November 2021 23:06Fable Christchurch, formally Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch, has officially opened its doors, signaling a new era of 5-star luxury accommodation in the Garden City.
212F & Incremental Join Forces
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 23:42Two iconic brands have joined to form arguably the largest independent B2B Customer Engagement agency in Australia and New Zealand.
212F and Incremental Marketing have each been advancing the industry independently for over 25 years, wholeheartedly focused on B2B customer engagement, growth strategies and B2B programs that change channel behaviour. Both businesses have developed a Strategy first / Rewards second approach, and it is this shared vision that headlines the future direction of the joined company. Ensuring that the focus of every incentive and loyalty design is outcome orientated, we match the best rewards and recognition to drive customer behaviour.
Understanding the dynamics of B2B has never been as important, as right now, and the toolkits that both brands bring to client partnerships with B2B businesses in Australia and New Zealand remain best in class. Going forward, the combination of these toolkits, through services, expertise and value propositions will benefit not only existing clients but shift what is possible within all Australian and New Zealand B2B industries and segments.
Whilst size isn’t everything… the local combined and complementary talent, resources, experience, and scale of the group allow for investment in new technologies and specialist skills that will result in even stronger partnerships with our customers.
212F Group Managing Director, Rob Morrow says;
“I have known Tony for nearly 20 years – in fact in the early 2000’s I was a client of Incremental Marketing, Tony helped me with my first trade loyalty program, so I know first-hand that we hold similar ideas and ideals. I’m delighted to welcome Tony and his talented team to join the 212F group, I’m beyond excited about the next 25 years and what our combined teams can achieve!”
Incremental Managing Director, Tony Nay says;
“We have long been aware that 212F shares many of our core values, principally around the fact that growth and engagement for customers are the best way to secure and maintain long-term relationships. Even recently, where we found ourselves pitching against 212F, we had that client comment that although our concept offerings were different our philosophies and approach were remarkably similar. I am excited about the benefits and opportunities, for both our customers and dedicated team that the combined entity will deliver.”
Dunedin to host Congress
Thursday, 07 October 2021 04:06Dunedin, New Zealand has won the right to host the prestigious 27th International Congress of History of Science and Technology in 2025.
Wayfare to become RealNZ
Sunday, 03 October 2021 21:31RealNZ tourism CEO Stephen England-Hall has announced a bold vision for the tourism group under a new name, pledging to do ‘business for good’.
Air NZ Launches new domestic seat options
Tuesday, 28 September 2021 20:49Air New Zealand has added flexibility to its domestic fare products and introduced two product name changes to improve clarity for customers.
Zealong Retreat gives residential options at estate
Tuesday, 28 September 2021 02:57Just minutes north of Hamilton city, Zealong Tea Estate has added a retreat facility ideal for residential corporate meetings and incentives.
Survey shows path to business events success
Thursday, 09 September 2021 02:31A recent snapshot of buyer sentiment has given venues and other suppliers to the business events industry a recipe for success as New Zealand emerges out of Covid restrictions and lockdowns.
Cancelled conferences donate food and give back to community
Monday, 23 August 2021 00:34Food for 575 delegates from two cancelled conferences in Auckland and Nelson last week has been donated to those in need.
Wellington's new business events guide
Friday, 06 August 2021 03:45Business Events Wellington has published a new guide for business event planners.
New Zealand expertise serves up new event
Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:18New Zealand is embracing its role as a world leader in agri-food-tech with the launch of a new event, the 2035 Oceania Summit in Auckland.
Strong domestic and Australian demand behind the success of MEETINGS 2021
Monday, 26 July 2021 02:24New Zealand’s largest business events industry gathering, MEETINGS 2021 held in Auckland last month, has been hailed an outstanding success, securing a pipeline of work from domestic and Australian buyers.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) ran the 25th-anniversary MEETINGS in a year of continued COVID-19 disruption, hosting buyers from around New Zealand and Australia.
Record entries for NZEA Awards!
Wednesday, 21 July 2021 23:33Entries into the 2021 NZ Events Association NZ Event Awards closed in June with an all-time record of 108 entries.
Business Events Lead Waikato Recovery
Monday, 19 July 2021 22:41The latest figures released by the Business Events Data Programme* show the Waikato region secured 13% market share of all NZ business events being held in Q1 2021. With 196 business events held in the region during January-March 2021, this placed the Waikato region second in the country behind Wellington at 29% for the number of business events held.
Busy, busier, busiest
Tuesday, 13 July 2021 21:40By Stu Freeman
Conference and incentive organisers report that they are currently experiencing their busiest time in memory.
Explore purchases Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands
Sunday, 04 July 2021 22:41Explore Group has purchased Fullers Great Sights operation in the Bay of Islands as the first part of a wider expansion plan for the business including growth in Auckland and Australia.
Eden Park Tops International Rankings
Monday, 28 June 2021 21:15Just two months on from Eden Park’s first concert, New Zealand’s national stadium has been named the number one stadium in the world in Pollstar’s mid-year rankings.
New Zealand Tourism Awards return for 2021
Monday, 14 June 2021 10:04Entries are open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards, returning for 2021 to showcase and celebrate the tourism industry’s individual and business successes.
Wellington future looking bright
Tuesday, 18 May 2021 01:25Wellington was recently named as one of 21 Places of the Future in a report by Cognizant.
A Taste of Marlborough
Thursday, 13 May 2021 00:31A taste of Marlborough, including a touch of sunshine to brighten Wellington’s first real wintry day of the year, swept across Cook Strait for a Business Events Showcase Marlborough, at the Michael Fowler Centre on May 12.
TRENZ Hui provides snapshot of Tourism
Tuesday, 11 May 2021 00:43It’s a cautious start but trans-Tasman conferences are showing signs of life, at least in terms of enquiries from Australia and website activity, according to delegates at the TRENZ Hui on May 5 and 6 in Christchurch.
Tourism industry prepares to future proof comeback
Monday, 26 April 2021 06:03An event to prepare the New Zealand tourism industry for the return of international visitors has reached capacity with more than 700 tourism operators registered to attend.
Business events industry on show at MEET CHRISTCHURCH
Monday, 29 March 2021 02:24Christchurch Town Hall was host venue for over 200 business event industry professionals Who gathered on 25 March for ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau’s inaugural MEET CHRISTCHURCH showcase.
'Taste of Te Pae' launched this month
Monday, 08 March 2021 21:30Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is launching a ‘Taste of Te Pae’ pop-up this month to showcase the venue to prospective clients ahead of the Centre’s proposed opening later this year.
Positive vibes, Major Moves and Fresh Perspectives from Wellington
Monday, 22 February 2021 04:02Wellington’s business events industry has reasons to be optimistic as it looks ahead to the next year and beyond.
Fortis Events Incentive recognised by Japan Convention Bureau
Tuesday, 26 January 2021 21:53Japan Convention Bureau, a division within the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) recognises best practice in incentive travel to Japan through the “JAPAN Best Incentive Travel Awards“.
Women You Can Bank On 2021
Monday, 23 November 2020 21:25The Women You Can Bank On event is returning for its 5th year and is being held on Thursday 4th March 2021. The theme for 2021 is “Thriving Through Change”.
Auckland named Oceania’s best meetings and conference destination
Wednesday, 18 November 2020 01:39Auckland has been named best meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination in Oceania at the inaugural World MICE Awards 2020.
Sunshine hours part of decision making
Sunday, 15 November 2020 22:17Not able to conference in the Pacific Islands but still wanting good odds of having sunshine? Nelson came out tops after such an analysis for the Latitude Homes Conference when the closed borders put paid to plans to go to Fiji in October.
Hokianga Looks To Attract Business Events
Monday, 09 November 2020 22:54Hokianga new website to help business event planners who are looking for something new.
Nesuto Hotel Reopens Post $13M Refurbishment
Monday, 19 October 2020 01:55Following the completion of an extensive $13 million refurbishment project, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Auckland has reopened.
Business Events given the green light across New Zealand
Monday, 05 October 2020 20:28Auckland’s move to Alert Level 1 is great news for the business events industry and will give decision-makers confidence across the country, says Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins.
Auckland will join the rest of New Zealand in Covid-19 alert level 1 from 11.59pm on Wednesday 7 October.
“The announcement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern dispels all confusion about who can meet and where. We have been given the green light to meet, with the country fully opened up to domestic groups, and Aucklanders again welcome to any region,”she says.
“Now is the time to rebuild the industry, and deliver confidence back to organisers who have been holding off planning and booking their events. Our message is it is safe to hold a conference, seminar, workshop, or team recognition event. We want people to understand that business events are the safest type of event that can be held, backed up by the World Health Organisation itself.”
CINZ has opened registrations for BE Reconnected, a free industry exhibition and networking day in Auckland on 1 December aimed at the throwing the spotlight on this $5 billion sector and rekindling vital industry relationships.
“BE Reconnected will be an essential platform to support the sector now and beyond. It is imperative for the good of the country and for the industry that we now move forward safely, and with assurance,” Lisa Hopkins says.
GP's Conference goes Virtual within 24 Hours
Sunday, 27 September 2020 22:41The NZMA South GP-CME, a large medical conference for General Practitioners was to be held at Vbase’s Horncastle Arena from 13 to 16 August.