The number of overseas arrivals for conventions and conferences to New Zealand soared to 66,000 in 2016 , up from 63,000 in 2015 , according to the latest Convention Delegate Survey , released by New Zealand ’ s Ministry of Business , Innovation and Employment . In total , more than 1.2 million event days were recorded , revealing a 19 per cent increase on the previous year .

CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan says the part of this success comes from the business events sector ’ s innovative and targeted approach to attracting events and conferences .

“ We know that we ’ re a small country and we need to set ourselves a part from what

happens on the worldwide stage , so we ’ re seeing innovative ways of presenting auctions ,” she says .

“ It ’ s that focussed approach and understanding what the client wants , and knowing if you can deliver or not . When you ’ re more targeted you ’ re likely to be more successful .”

But perhaps one of New Zealand ’ s strongest selling points is not its infrastructure or innovative approach to conferences , but its rich cultural identity . The traditional customs of the M āori people remain an intrinsic part of the region ’ s culture .

M āori customs and traditions are often incorporated into business events to give international visitors a taste of New Zealand ’ s

history . Sullivan says as part of the M āori culture , “ everything ’ s blessed ”, from the food to people , and even exhibition stands .

“ At our annual tradeshow CINZ MEETINGS , unbeknownst to exhibitors , the stands will be blessed , and the food would have been blessed as well ,” she says .

“ Nobody will see or know it , it ’ s just happening because that ’ s how we are . It ’ s just innate in what we do and in our hosting .”

Intertwined throughout events and ceremonies are M āori principles like kaitiakitanga , which refers to the guardianship and care of the land .

“ We ’ re always conscious of the land and protecting it for

generations to come ,” says Sullivan .

“ You wrap that into a conference and you ’ re starting to get sustainability . Gone are the days of handing out a printed program for a conference , it should be an app . Or consider supplying water bottles that can be used again as opposed to plastic cups .”

The M āori principle of hospitality , manaakitanga , means that every guest is treated with the highest respect and made to feel welcome and comfortable .

“ We welcome you to our place , we welcome you to our home ,” says Sullivan .

“ If you talk to the people at Auckland War Memorial Museum , they will say ‘ come up to our