New Zealand embarks on a Maori mission

New Zealand’s Māori traditions will be celebrated at the Professional Conference Organisers’ Association Conference later this month, with delegates to discover how this unique heritage can add a dynamic twist to meetings held in the destination.

Conferences and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Australia manager Sharon Auld highlighted the integral nature of Māori culture to Kiwi life.

“We want our Australian clients to understand what makes New Zealand unique as an incentive and conferencing destination, and inspire them to ask more,” she said.

In line with this mission, Tourism New Zealand’s new typography and hand-crafted logo mark, Pure Pākati, will also be showcased on the stand. The design has been developed by local designers and Māori artists and carved in native Kauri timber.

“The three triangles carved into the typeface have a powerful meaning for our business events visitors,” Auld explained. “They ask ‘how are you, where are you, and when are you coming back?’.”

Other images of Māori cultural significance will also feature on the stand – for example Aoraki/Mount Cook in the South Island, the Marae meeting house in Te Papa Museum, Wellington and a traditional Hongi greeting.

In addition, one lucky delegate will take home a special piece of New Zealand – hand carved Pounamu (greenstone) – gifted by Destination Rotorua Business Events.

“Our gift from Rotorua is a Koru, a spiral shape, based on the unfurling silver fern frond, symbolising new life and growth,” Auld revealed.

The New Zealand contingent for this year’s conference is made up a record 17 exhibitors. It will take place from November 29 to December 1 at Adelaide Convention Centre.