Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s Board of directors has appointed a new independent chair, Dame Kerry Prendergast (DNZM, CNZM) for a period of three years from June 1, 2023.
TIA deputy chair and head of the Board appointment committee Fergus Brown says he is delighted to welcome Dame Kerry’s wealth of experience as former mayor of Wellington, previous chair of Tourism New Zealand and former vice-president of Local Government New Zealand to TIA at this critical juncture.
“This is an exciting time to be part of TIA. We’re about to launch a future-focused Industry Strategy, we’ve just hosted a very successful TRENZ 2023 and we are moving into an election year,” he says.
“As an association we’re focused on enabling outstanding tourism, we’re partnering on initiatives from the Better Work Action Plan to support our industry’s workforce, and we are seeing lots of opportunities for positive change. We are looking forward to benefitting from Dame Kerry’s stewardship as we move into this new phase.”
Dame Kerry looks forward to taking on the role as the industry moves in an exciting new direction.
“TIA has a long and reputable history supporting and enabling the tourism industry. I am looking forward to being part of the reimagining and recovery of this important industry and to ensuring the many and wide benefits of tourism are understood and enabled.”
The TIA Board expressed its gratitude to outgoing chair Gráinne Troute, who is leaving TIA at the conclusion of her three-year term. Gráinne led the association through COVID-19, the reopening of international borders and the industry’s first summer of recovery.
Gráinne says she was honoured to have supported the industry through a uniquely challenging time. She has particularly enjoyed contributing to the future of the industry through her work on the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan.
“I believe in the future of our tourism industry and its potential to positively impact New Zealand,” she says.
“It was a pleasure to get to know such a wide spectrum of the industry and see the positive progress being made by tourism operators the length and breadth of Aotearoa New Zealand, following a period of immense disruption.
“My best wishes and thanks to the TIA team and Board who demonstrate a passion and unwavering commitment to the industry.”
