A one-day conference exploring the wider tourism landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand and highlighting the importance of regional collaboration within the visitor economy.
This programme brings together national leaders, industry experts, and regional voices to share insights, strategies, and practical ideas shaping the future of tourism in Taupō.
| Attendees Registration Opens | 1 May 2026 |
| Programme Launch at Q2 industry update | 4 June 2026 |
| Attendees Registration Closes | 13 August 2026 |
| Taupō Tourism Summit | 20 August 2026 |
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8:00-8:50 |
Registration & Tea/Coffee |
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8:50-9:25 |
Opening Mihi Whakatau Welcome
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9:25-9:55 |
Update from Tourism New Zealand
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Sam Allen, Global Manager, Industry & Product Marketing, Tourism New Zealand |
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9:55-10:25 |
Work together to support regional
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Iain Walker - General Manager - Regional, Air New Zealand
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10:25-10:45 |
The Gateway Effect: building routes, markets and regional growth
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Michelle Nordemeer, Group General Manager – Aeronautical Growth & Marketing, Hamilton Airport
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10:45-11:05 |
Manaakitanga in Motion
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Kristy Phillips, CEO, Hospitality New Zealand
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11:10-11:40 |
Morning Break: Regional Food Showcase 1 |
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Concurrent Morning Sessions |
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11:40-12:10 |
Session 1: Reclaimingthe #1Adventure Destination in the World Eve Lawrence, Stray |
Session 2: Looking Five Years Ahead: How to Win the Chinese Inbound Market Without Breaking the Bank Chang Chen, Yoreka
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Session 3: What started out as the right thing to do, has turned into a competitive advantage. Paul Button, RCT Group |
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12:15-12:45 |
Session 1: Reclaimingthe #1Adventure Destination in the World Eve Lawrence, Stray |
Session 2: Looking Five Years Ahead: How to Win the Chinese Inbound Market Without Breaking the Bank Chang Chen, Yoreka
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Session 3: What started out as the right thing to do, has turned into a competitive advantage. Paul Button, RCT Group |
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12:50-13:05 |
Destination Great Lake Taupō Update
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Patrick Dault, General Manager, Destination Great Lake Taupō |
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13:05–13:55 |
Lunch Break - Regional Food Showcase 2 |
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Concurrent Afternoon Sessions |
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13:55-14:35
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Session 4: Talking to the Modern Traveler Katie McDougall & Lauren Whicker, Tripadvisor |
Session 5: Panel Discussion - AI for Tourism Facilitatior - Sam Allen, TNZ Ben Blackbourn, One Picture Group Sam Sutton, Rotorua Rafting
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Session 6: Social Media Best Practices for Tourism Operators & Your story, Our story: Building an impactful story Noora Tuikkanen & Shona Cobham, Love Taupō |
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14:40-15:20 |
Session 4: Talking to the Modern Traveler Katie McDougall & Lauren Whicker, Tripadvisor |
Session 5: Panel Discussion - AI for Tourism Facilitatior - Sam Allen, TNZ Ben Blackbourn, One Picture Group Sam Sutton, Rotorua Rafting
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Session 6: Social Media Best Practices for Tourism Operators & Your story, Our story: Building an impactful story Noora Tuikkanen & Shona Cobham, Love Taupō |
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15:25-15:35 |
Closing Remarks
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Patrick Dault, General Manager, Destination Great Lake Taupō |
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