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The nine stars of Matariki welcomed MEETINGS 2024 manahuri (guests) to Rotorua’s Sir Howard Morrison Centre last night, June 18, in a ceremony guided by local Māori iwi, Ngāti Whakaue.
More than 1000 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Asia-Pacific and North America are gathering in Rotorua for the next two days, June 19-20, for New Zealand’s largest business events trade show, MEETINGS. Welcoming guests were Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson. They were joined by Hon Matt Doocey, New Zealand Minister for Tourism via video.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell welcomed Business Events Industry Aotearoa MEETINGS back to Rotorua for the 2024 tradeshow.
“Rotorua is a hub for business innovation and events, tourism and Māori culture so we’re perfectly placed and ready to provide an exceptional and unique MEETINGS experience.
“We’re going through an exciting period of change here and can’t wait to showcase what’s new since MEETINGS was last held in Rotorua. We now have a world-class lakefront, luxury Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa facility, our brand new Sir Howard Morrison Centre, new forest hubs, and exciting new tourism attractions and hospitality offerings.
“We know delegates will have a memorable time here, experiencing the manaakitanga Rotorua is so well known for, and wish Business Events Industry Aotearoa every success with MEETINGS 2024,” she says.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the traditional pōhiri (welcoming ceremony) is part of tikanga and kawa – customs and etiquette – that ensure visitors are warmly welcomed and made to feel at home in Rotorua.
“Last night’s dramatic representation of Te Ao Māori – the Māori World, created by a group of talented young performers from Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa, fused visual art, theatre, contemporary dance and kapa haka and ensured a powerful start to MEETINGS 2024,” she says.
During the pōhiri, Pae Ārahi (local hosts) guided guests through the formal ceremony. The Haka Pōhiri (stirring dance of welcome) was performed as a mark of respect to the dignity and prestige of the visitors, and reflected the sanctity of the connection Māori have with the land.
Led by Ngāti Whakaue, manuhiri were welcomed into Te Haumihi, Sir Howard Morrison Centre with Karanga (calls) and cries of Haka .
Later guests witnessed a transformation, from daylight to darkness, with nine suspended and elevated performers wearing impressive, large scale costumes. The nine stars of Matariki came alive weaving tales of their connection with Te Taiao (The Natural World).
At the close of the karanga, powerful lighting and subtle movement accentuated the artists, who performed a highlight from their sold-out season of Whetūrangihia.
Following the performance, MEETINGS guests enjoyed a live music showcase from some of Rotorua’s most talented local jazz and soul musicians.
Earlier in the afternoon, a specially-crafted taonga wood carving from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia was presented to Lisa Hopkins and BEIA Chair Martin Snedden for MEETINGS which will be displayed on the show floor.
