Minister of Tourism Kelvin Davis has acknowledged 27 experts who have brought international expertise to Aotearoa that will help enrich New Zealand communities and people for years to come.
The experts, who have secured large-scale international conferences for New Zealand, were recognised at an event in Auckland last night.
Speaking at the event, René de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand’s Director of Commercial, said: “In the last financial year New Zealand has won 32 events that will contribute an estimated $40.5m to the economy over the coming years and involve over 19,000 delegates.
“But the value of these conferences, and the ones we are celebrating tonight, extends far beyond the dollar figures. They have the ability to create long-lasting, positive social change in our communities. They bring together local and international experts, which often sparks innovation. And they help grow our industry sectors and enhance the lives of New Zealanders.”
Those recognised for their work in winning conferences included university academics, industry professionals and medical specialists who have championed their field of expertise. They represent key sectors including health sciences, agriculture, earth sciences, IT, aerospace and advanced engineering.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said hosting international conferences enriches New Zealand, including the smaller regions, by bringing high-value visitors in the off-peak season.
“They bring expertise to our door and are a great opportunity for our local members to upskill and network with international experts.
“This is a very competitive sector. Each year, Kiwis demonstrate their ability to compete on the world stage and act as ambassadors for all that Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.”
Conference wins include the International Symposium on Microbial Ecology, which is expected to bring 1800 experts to Auckland in 2022; and the World Leisure Congress, which will attract some 1500 delegates to Dunedin in 2022.
Dr Adrian Pittari, Senior Lecturer in Volcanology at the University of Waikato, was integral to bidding for the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) Conference in 2021.
The event will bring around 1000 of the world’s leading volcanologists to Rotorua. He says the event will be good for New Zealand science: “It puts the spotlight on New Zealand from an international perspective.
“It’s great for international scientists to come and see a world-class volcanic region, both in the field and listening to sessions and speakers on the topics of New Zealand volcanology. We want all the cutting-edge research from around the world to come here and to increase collaboration between New Zealand and international scientists.”
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