Matariki ceremony welcomes MEETINGS 2024 guests to Rotorua
The nine stars of Matariki welcomed MEETINGS 2024 manahuri (guests) to Rotorua’s new Sir Howard Morrison Centre last night (18 June) in a ceremony guided by local Māori iwi, Ngāti Whakaue.
More than 1,000 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Asia-Pacific and North America are gathering in Rotorua for the next two days, 19 and 20 June, 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 (BEIA) 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,” Tapsell said.
“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.”
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 said.
Stirring welcome dance
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.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
MEETINGS 2024Latest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Gold Coast Airport marks major milestone in domestic expansion
Gold Coast Airport undergoes a $17 million refurbishment of its old international area to expand domestic capabilities following the shift of international services to a new terminal. The airport’s new domestic lounge has just opened, marking a milestone in the terminal’s ongoing transformation. With various refurbishments coming in the following weeks, including new flooring, improved […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Tahiti Tourisme gets behind Gauguin’s World exhibit at National Gallery, Canberra
Tahiti Tourisme is supporting the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition which was launched at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra yesterday, 27 June, attended by the Vice President of Tahiti, Eliane Tevahitua, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending the festivities. The exhibition, open to the public from tomorrow, 29 June to 7 […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Park Trek Walking Holidays adds famous Larapinta trail to portfolio
Does a small group walking tour mean small groups walking or small people walking in a group? Time to clarify.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amsterdam to phase out cruise ships from the city centre within the decade
There are fumes and there a 'fumes'. Amsterdam is a city of many, apparently some more acceptable than others.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
All you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal
Here is everything you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal, one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. Entering the cruise terminal The terminal is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle, with easy road access via The Crescent / James Craig Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter the terminal […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cathay Pacific to relaunch Hong Kong to Cairns in December
Given the amount press shots like this in the Cairns Airport we've seen lately, things must be busy in the office!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Topdeck’s mammoth Europe Winter promotion
Pack your gloves for this European winter holiday, but you'll have to take them off if you want to tap the app. Damn.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
More than half (53%) of LGBTQIA+ travellers have experienced discrimination whilst travelling
If you needed proof that the world still needs pride events, this is it.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Intrepid’s new 12 page handbook designed to help agents sell sustainable travel
We've even got the link! You didn't think we'd make you go searching for it, did you?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SeaLink Whitsunday’s Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours
This article reminds us that it is too easy to overlook the magic of Australia's own destinations.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quad biking safety questioned after 21-year-old suffers horrific injuries
She'll be picking gravel out of her face for a long while yet. We know! Hard lesson to learn.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Saudi Arabia hosts film night at the Sydney Opera House
It is very unfortunate Saudi Arabia had their cinemas shut for 30 years, however they did at least miss Vanilla Sky.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Rex kicks off new flights from Perth to Adelaide, Melbourne
Swap the quokkas of WA for the churches of Adelaide or the trams of Melbourne. Can you tell we love a travel cliché?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Fiji Airways partners with American to offer guests access to AAdvantage rewards program
Book a flight with Fiji Airways and build up your airmiles for a trip to the States, sounds like a win win to us.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Hurtigruten first cruise line to plug into Reykjavik’s new shore power
Things are getting pretty green with Hurtigruten in Iceland, which is amazing considering how cold it is half the year.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Thai Airways expands technology partnership with Amadeus
This might be the moodiest airline photo we have ever seen. Was Thai Airways going through an emo stage?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Incredible landscape series with images taken from a Cessna 182 called Valerie
Unlike Google maps, there is nothing weird going on here. So don't even try to zoom in.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
South Korea launches new tourist: ‘Moon of Seoul’
If you are afraid of heights we recommend that you don't read this story.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
ATTA sheds light on the top trends shaping adventure travel
Surprisingly, going out in the summer without sun cream doesn't quite qualify as an adventure holiday.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Calls for cruise industry reform gather momentum as expiration on free port access looms
Cruising could get a whole lot more difficult come December this year and it's got nothing to do with the Christmas rush!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
It is the end of financial year! Take this quiz to find out your money values
Is the end of financial year ruining your peace? We have you covered with this piece.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Explora Journeys launches Destination Experiences led by adventurer Mike Horn
Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, has announced Destination Experiences led by renowned explorer and brand ambassador Mike Horn. From 10-20 November 2024, guests on board EXPLORA I will have the opportunity to join Horn on two extraordinary adventures, showcasing the wild beauty of Spain’s Lanzarote and La Palma islands. During a lifetime […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
New Topdeck and Back-Roads APAC general manager Anna Fawcett is forging a different path
Good luck keeping up with Anna Fawcett. We were exhausted just reading about what she's done so far.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Zurich Insurance buys AIG travel business for $900 million
Can you insure against Bali belly? That's the real question we want to know the answer to.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Oslo – is it even a city? Norway’s hilarious new tourism campaign tells travellers not to come
This is one of the best in recent years and there's been some crackers. We want a trip to Norway now!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Harbourside Hotel launches new tropically themed event packages
We were in Cairns for TravelDAZE recently, and we will definitely be back, for the accomm if not the weather.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
I used an AI travel agent to plan a trip to Bali – here’s what happened
Whilst the itinerary wasn't bad, their ability to engage in small talk about the State of Origin was pretty subpar.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways looks to take a 20% stake in Virgin Australia
Qatar is so determined for more Aussie flights after last year's denial it's begun talks to buy up big!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Solomon Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar in battle of the Pacific over flights to Vanuatu
Solomon Airlines officially told us about this about 6am. Two hours later, guess who else had a similar media release.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cathy Freeman to speak at TravelManagers annual conference
If you want to put a flame under some of your slow clients you could ask to borrow Cathy's Olympic Torch.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Introducing Cedars Mount View in Hunter Valley NSW
Planning a weekend away at the wineries? Here's your accommodation sorted... It's even got heated floors!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Marriott International Inc. partners with Markis Group
If you're thinking about quick a getaway this fine Thursday, let this Gold Coast gallery brighten your day.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Utah Office of Tourism re-appoints Canuckiwi to lead account in Australia-New Zealand
We've met Corey Marshall from Canuckiwi and can assure you there is a foot in both Kiwi and Canuck camps.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luna Park up for sale for the first time in 20 years with $70 million price tag
If you've always wanted to own Luna Park then now is your time. Move quickly.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces exclusive collaboration with Casino de Monte-Carlo
Crystal has enhanced its voyages with a collaboration with a leader in the world of entertainment and gaming to bring the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the brand that promises guests an elevated level of entertainment and gaming experience. It debuts onboard Crystal Symphony during […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Why everybody should care that Barcelona is looking to ban Airbnb
Hotels, as a group, are now standing to attention and offering a round of applause to an Airbnb ban.