Reviving business events in New Zealand

New Zealand builds on momentum of strong demand from Australian buyers last year with MEETINGS 2022. Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) opens applications for hosted buyers for the event on 15 and 16 June in Ōtautahi Christchurch, to be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

BEIA’s Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins reports that exhibitor numbers are on track with over 110 exhibitors having confirmed their participation. “We are inviting anyone planning conferences, product launches, incentive experiences, roadshows, and team-building events in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply,” says Hopkins.

Hosted buyers will enjoy a personalised diary of appointments, complimentary air travel, accommodation and registration, as well as tickets to the opening ceremony, welcome function and gala celebration. They will also be invited to attend the Celebrity Speakers’ Showcase, Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Showcase, and professional development sessions.

Australian hosted buyers have the option of extending their stay to include the weekend prior to the event. Host city Aotearoa will be offering a weekend familiarisation experience of the city and its surrounding regions. Other destination choices are Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Marlborough, Queenstown and Dunedin.

For Australian organiser Rohani De Beger, business development director at Veritas Events in Sydney, New Zealand is in the spotlight due to its “yes” culture. “The country’s sustainable green reputation, great air access, value, safety, and collaborative approach make it a top destination for business events,” she says. She will be taking an incentive group of 400 Australians to New Zealand in September 2022.

“We have had huge interest following the launch of our Hosted Buyer programme from both the New Zealand and Australian market, and we have no doubt, that if further border changes are made, we will see equally strong interest from other international buyers,” says Hopkins.

With the New Zealand government making steady steps in reopening international borders this year, Hopkins said BEIA is keeping a close eye on border reopenings and isolation requirements, and called on the government to lift isolation requirements for international visitors. 

“We do take some optimism from the government’s decision to continue to review these restrictions. However, given planning is required for business events, the sooner we know borders can open without isolation, the better,” says Hopkins. “Currently, NZ$150 million worth of business events are at risk because of international border settings,” she adds.

Referencing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's speech on 3 February, Hopkins shared it was disappointing the Prime Minister did not recognise what was once New Zealand’s largest export earner – the business events sector.

“Our industry members are in dire need of assistance, and we will continue to work with the government positively to support initiatives to help revive our ailing industry. The ability to welcome back international delegates and attendees is just one of those initiatives,” says Hopkins.

Current government measures list July as the fourth stage in reopening borders to all travellers from Australia and visa-waiver countries such as Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, the US and the UK. The final stage will be the country’s reopening to travellers from all visa categories in October.

A 10-day isolation period is required for travellers, along with three rapid antigen tests to be taken; one on the day of arrival, the second on the fifth or sixth day, and a third as back-up, as presently reflected on New Zealand’s Covid-19 website.