Ngāi Tahu Tourism wins Māori Excellence in Export Award

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is thrilled to have won ‘Ha kai kei aku ringa’ for Māori Excellence in Export at the New Zealand International Business Awards 2016. The winners were announced last night at the SKYCITY Convention Centre in Auckland. Accepting the award on behalf of Ngāi Tahu whānui and Ngāi Tahu Tourism, Tā Tipene O’Regan says the award is an incredible accolade and testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. “Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s purpose is to ‘make the connection’ – connecting with our customers, through our people, to our place and to Ngāi Tahu,” he says. “By sharing our stories and the stories from the regions where we operate, we are able to deliver an authentic experience you can’t get anywhere else, which is something we are proud of.” Ngāi Tahu Tourism connects over one million visitors a year to Aotearoa, to the Ngāi Tahu team and to the Ngāi Tahu Iwi. The whānau-owned company has more than 500 employees working across its 11 businesses and delivering 25 of the country’s most iconic experiences. From Rainbow Springs in the North Island to Queenstown’s Shotover Jet, Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s experiences include jet boating, astro-tourism, guided walks, helicopter tours and glacier hot pools. Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s strong focus on its key markets of China, USA, Asia (India, ASEAN, Korea) and the UK, has driven its international revenue to grow by 33 percent over the past three years. Chief Executive Quinton Hall says all Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s profits stay in Aotearoa and are used for the benefit of its owners – 55,000 whānau members. “We believe our approach resonates positively with customers, particularly in important international markets, because we offer them authentic and genuine connections through adventure, culture and nature. “While our financial success is important, it is just one part of what drives us. We want to build on Ngāi Tahu traditions, values and the characteristics that make Ngāi Tahu special.” Ngāi Tahu Tourism was one of 24 finalists in the 50th annual New Zealand International Business Awards. The other finalists in the ‘Ha kai kei aku ringa’ for Māori Excellence in Export category were Kiwa Digital and Straker Translations.