2013 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards Announced

Pa Teuruaa of Pa’s Nature Walks

The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council hosted the prestigious Air New Zealand Cooks Islands Tourism Awards, held biannually to recognise excellence in the nation’s tourism industry, in Rarotonga. Dreadlocked septuagenarian Pa Teuruaa of Pa’s Nature Walks - who has guided visitors across the mountainous Rarotonga interior 4388 times and counting - took out the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, while the Pacific Resort Group scored four awards, including the Supreme Award.

Fifteen winners were announced to more than 220 guests during a gala evening at the residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner, including speeches by Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon and the Mayor of Invercargill and popular New Zealand comedian His Worship Tim Shadbolt.

According to the Tourism Awards Chairman Alister Stevic: “A record number of entries (47), an increase in the quality of entries, and a 48 hour sell out of tickets clearly indicates the importance and significance the industry places on these awards.

"It was fantastic to see a wider range of the industry enter this year, from intimate three person business such as The Mooring Fish Cafe to the luxurious and larger Pacific Resort Group.”

The awards premier sponsor is Air New Zealand in association with ANZ and The Bond Store, supported by Cook Islands Tourism, Pitt Media Group, Telecom, Westpac, Air Rarotonga and the Cook Islands Sun.

The winners:

Highland Paradise Cultural Centre

• Air New Zealand Tourism Industry Support – The Mooring Fish Café, Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga
• Cook Islands Tourism Budget Accommodation Award – Puaikura Reef Lodges, Arorangi, Rarotonga
• Pitt Media Group Private Rentals Award – Taakoka Muri Beach Villas, Rarotonga.
• ANZ Bank Self Catering Award – Makayla Palms, Titikaveka Beach, Rarotonga.
• Air New Zealand Customer Care Award – Makayla Palms
• Air New Zealand Festival and Events Award – Vaka Eiva outrigger canoe festival, Rarotonga and Aitutaki
• Cook Islands Sun Tourism Attractions Award – Highland Paradise Cultural Centre, Arorangi, Rarotonga
• Westpac Bank Culture Award – Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
• The Bond Store Hotels and Resorts Award – Pacific Resort Group, Rarotonga and Aitutaki
• ANZ Bank Environment Award – Muri Beach Resort, Rarotonga
• Telecom Internet Marketing Award – Pacific Resort Group
• Air Rarotonga Outer Islands Award – Pacific Resort Group
• ANZ Bank Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award – Pa Teuruaa of Pa’s Nature Walks
• The Bond Store Lifetime Achievement in Tourism Award – Robert Skews of Turama Pacific Travel Group
• Air New Zealand Supreme Award Winner - Pacific Resort Group