NEW ZEALAND
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Regional discovery
M āori culture, education and regional diversity were among the key themes of Conventions and Incentives
New Zealand’s (CINZ) flagship trade show MEETINGS 2017, writes Brittney Levinson.
Around 600 event organisers gathered
in Auckland to attend two days of
appointments with almost 200 exhibitors
at ASB Showgrounds. This year there were
19 regions on show, part of CINZ’s effort to
highlight regional New Zealand.
CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan says
delegates to New Zealand spend on average
4.2 nights in the region and 1.8 outside,
which means they travel outside of the host
region of their conference or event.
“M āori tourism for the first time is starting to
engage in this sector,” she says. “Our role is
to educate the sector on how culture can be
woven more deeply, into business events –
from emceeing, to the food, or storytelling.” devastating 2011 earthquake. While the
city endeavours to maintain as much of its
heritage as possible, there is a plethora
of new-build, modern facilities emerging,
making Christchurch a city to watch.
Education was another key theme, with
the Education Hub making its debut at
MEETINGS 2017. One of the noticeable things about the CBD
is its colour. From street art to colourful café
facades, Christchurch feels alive and inviting,
which is what the city set out to achieve post-
earthquake. Hidden amongst the vibrant walls
are a number of new dining outlets and bars,
including Little High Eatery, made up of eight
different local businesses serving pizza, sushi,
burgers and more.
“Regional dispersal in countries such as
ours is critical,” says Sullivan. “Tourism and
business events provide opportunities for
economic growth in regional New Zealand.” “As more of the large venues come on
stream, we need to be building capability in
regional New Zealand and within our large
cities,” says Sullivan. “We have a job, along
with the operators, to upskill and educate.
The Education Hub is designed to allow the
industry to understand what is on offer and
begin the conversations.”
New Zealand’s rich M āori culture was also
at the fore, with CINZ cultural ambassador
Ngahi Bidois taking part in the event and
offering his blessing to delegates. Sullivan
says this type of role is becoming more
common among businesses in New Zealand. As part of the pre-show famil program, 10
regions were on show to delegates, including
a three-day tour of the Christchurch and
Canterbury region. Christchurch is well
on its way to becoming a brand new city,
as it continues to rebuild following the
22 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 4, 2017 www.cimmagazine.com
At MEETINGS, the latest designs for the
Christchurch Centre were released, giving
delegates a first look at the development,
which is slated for completion in late 2019.
The centre will be able to host up to 2000
delegates in its purpose-built spaces, which
include a tiered 1400-delegate auditorium
that can be divided to allow up to two or