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Iconic iwi-owned Rotorua attraction Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) has taken out the industry’s highest accolade, being named the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award winner at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Hosted by Tourism Industry Aotearoa at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, the awards recognised the quality and diversity of tourism experiences across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Puia NZMACI received top honours across multiple categories, winning the NZME Visitor Experience Award and the Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and was a finalist in the Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award.
Te Puia NZMACI chief executive Tim Cossar says the win recognises years of commitment to both community and culture.
“Winning this award fills me with a huge sense of achievement for our team and our community,” Tim says.
“Our business is one of duality – we are not only a tourism business but also a cultural training institution 100 years young. When we were faced with turning our business around in 2019, we had to deliver great experiences for Kiwis and international guests while achieving positive outcomes for our community — they are our backbone.”
“Me mihi ki ngā maire tū wao, o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, o Ngāti Whakaue i tū rangatira rā hei tāwharautanga ki a mātou e tū nei i tōna whakaruruhautanga. Ngā potiriao i kite ai mātou i te pae tawhiti, e mihi kau ana.”
(We acknowledge the advocates of Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao, and Ngāti Whakaue who forged the pathway for us to follow — the trailblazers who allowed us to see the distant horizons. We extend our endless gratitude.)
Judges praised Te Puia’s transformation over the past five years, highlighting its long-term sustainability focus and high-quality visitor experience. They noted the positive impact on both the business and its community, describing Te Puia as “a truly iconic experience that will stand the test of time.”
TIA chief executive Rebecca Ingram says this year’s awards reflected the strength and innovation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism sector.
“This has highlighted the incredible passion driving our tourism industry,” Rebecca says.
“The diversity and quality of entries reflect an industry that continues to find new ways to deliver outstanding visitor experiences, grounded in manaakitanga. It’s inspiring to celebrate the people and businesses who make our industry so special.”
This year saw a record 150 entries across 12 award categories, with 35 judges noting the exceptional calibre and innovation demonstrated by operators nationwide.
The New Zealand Tourism Awards, hosted by TIA with award partner Air New Zealand, recognise businesses and individuals demonstrating excellence, sustainability, and leadership in tourism.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award | Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership |
| Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award | Hind Management |
| NZME Visitor Experience Award | Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership |
| Avis Budget Group Community Engagement Award | Auckland Sea Kayaks |
| Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Collaboration Award | Development West Coast |
| KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award | Blue Duck Station |
| GO Rentals Innovation Award | Christchurch Adventure Park |
| Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award | Kāpiti Island Nature Tours |
| Westpac Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) | Tongariro River Rafting |
| ServiceIQ Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business) | Willowbank Wildlife Reserve |
| Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) | Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership |
Individual Awards
- Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award – Scott Callaway
- TIA Emerging Tourism Leader Award – Zac Watson, Maverick Tourism Marketing
- Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award – Nadine ToeToe, Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours
