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TRENZ 2025 opened in Rotorua May 6-8 with a powerful reminder of what sets New Zealand apart with connection, culture, and community. The pōwhiri on Monday, May 5 that launched the event wasn’t just a formal gesture—it was a moment that wove tikanga Māori into the the week ahead. There was a performance by Te Matatini 2025 champions, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakau that offered international delegates a taste of manaakitanga.
Before diving into meetings, many buyers spent time exploring Rotorua through hosted famils—soaking in geothermal pools, zipping through native bush, navigating whitewater rapids, or walking tranquil forest trails. Adrenaline was paired with engagement in Māori culture.
As TRENZ moved into day two on Wedneday, there were conversations about innovation, sustainability, and connection. Rebecca Ingram, chief executive of TIA spoke of how “Tourism is our second-largest export earner — but it’s also one of our most inclusive. TRENZ helps future-proof our economy by spreading opportunity across cities, towns and rural areas. Tourism showcases our cultural richness and builds people to people connections. Touching on TIA’s industry strategy- a Blueprint for Impact, she says “A nimble tourism industry is one that’s proactive, not reactive. It’s constantly reading the horizon, picking up on trends and signals, and adapting before change is forced upon us.”
Greg Foran, chief executive officer for Air New Zealand also spoke of how New Zealand “is a stable nation, and people want to visit stable nations, we need to be as easy, as we are beautiful”
Minster for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Louise Upston spoke of a new achievement in changes in translation practices after discussion of challenges related to documentation, transactions and language barriers for internationals. The floor also heard from other speakers, TNZ’s chief executive René de Monchy, Auckland Airport’s chief executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, Andrew Wilson, chief executive of Rotorua NZ and Scott Callaway, general manager of tourism and trade Christchurch Airport.
Although this years’ TRENZ briefing was shorter than previous years, it packed a powerful punch with those continuing themes of innovation and connection, before the highly anticipated networking function, also held at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre later in the evening.
