What’s at stake? Millions in tourism and delegate spending as New Zealand competes to host high-profile international conferences, showcasing indigenous culture for a competitive edge.
Background Aotearoa’s conference sector is integrating Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori into event bidding, design and delivery, a strategy that has evolved locally and is now capturing global audiences.
Main players Tourism New Zealand’s business events team, industry body BEIA, and iwi leaders like Ngāi Tahu are spearheading the kaupapa Māori approach, with executives Penelope Ryan, Lisa Hopkins and Lisa Tumahai among those leading the charge.
Walking through Auckland Airport’s international arrivals hall, visitors pass under the towering tomokanga, a carved Māori gateway that wraps them in birdsong and symbolic light. It’s a uniquely New Zealand welcome reflecting this country’s indigenous heritage.
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Key points
What’s at stake? Millions in tourism and delegate spending as New Zealand competes to host high-profile international conferences, showcasing indigenous culture for a competitive edge.
Background Aotearoa’s conference sector is integrating Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori into event bidding, design and delivery, a strategy that has evolved locally and is now capturing global audiences.
Main players Tourism New Zealand’s business events team, industry body BEIA, and iwi leaders like Ngāi Tahu are spearheading the kaupapa Māori approach, with executives Penelope Ryan, Lisa Hopkins and Lisa Tumahai among those leading the charge.
