New Zealand business event arrivals from Australia hit record high

As New Zealand gears up for a strong presence at AIME this month, its annual business event arrivals from Australia have exceeded 40,000 for the first time.

Statistics New Zealand data shows 10.4 per cent growth for business event arrivals into New Zealand from Australia for the 2015 year, compared with 2014.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the latest growth puts New Zealand in a strong position as it heads to the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne.

The 100% Pure New Zealand team led by CINZ has secured exclusive rights to host the only buyer breakfast at AIME, for a second year in a row.

“We are inviting hosted buyers and media to the 100% Pure New Zealand stand on Wednesday morning, 24 February where our Māori cultural ambassador Ngahihi o te ra Bidois will welcome guests,” Sue Sullivan says.

“New Zealand’s success comes from creating meaningful and authentic experiences and that’s what Ngahi will be helping us to share at AIME.

“Underpinning everything we do are three core values - open spaces, open hearts and open minds. We welcome everyone as friends and ask where are you, how are you and when will you be back?”

“We are known for our kaitiaki - care of people and place – and for being safe, stable, open, and accessible. Kiwis have a reputation as 'down to earth' and 'good to work with' and our outward-looking way of thinking allows us to be creative, innovative and often ingenious,” she says.

The Kiwi hospitality - manaakitanga - will continue across the two days of AIME on 23 and 24 February, with express lunches for day buyers on both days, and drinks including Cloudy Bay wines on Tuesday afternoon.

The 15-strong 100% Pure New Zealand team led by CINZ and Tourism New Zealand on stand 4614 are:

• Air New Zealand
• AccorHotels New Zealand
• Auckland Convention Bureau
• Auckland Conventions Venues and Events
• Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau
• Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre
• Destination Rotorua Business Events
• Heritage Hotels
• Hobbiton™ Movie Set
• Millennium Hotels and Resorts
• New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland
• SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre

Sue Sullivan says delegates visiting the 100% Pure New Zealand stand at AIME will also have the chance to apply for CINZ MEETINGS 2016, including an opportunity to explore New Zealand regions before MEETINGS in June.