Local tourism operators, alongside the Trust’s destination team, showcased some of Tairāwhiti Gisborne's leading tourism experiences at TRENZ 2026.
TRENZ is New Zealand’s largest tourism trade event, bringing together operators, travel buyers and industry leaders to build relationships and create future business and partnership opportunities.
Trade-ready operators representing Tairāwhiti Gisborne were Dive Tatapouri, Maunga Hikurangi Tours, Tatapouri Bay Beachside Accommodation and Matawhero Wines and Luxury Accommodation.
Over three days in Auckland, operators met with buyers from key visitor markets through a programme of 15-minute appointments, providing opportunities to promote their experience, strengthen industry connections and explore future partnerships.
For TRENZ attendees, gaining a deeper understanding of buyer expectations and tourism trends was a significant highlight.
“Attending TRENZ gave us the opportunity to better understand market expectations and continue positioning Tatapouri Bay and Tairāwhiti Gisborne within the boutique accommodation market,” says Tatiane Dias, operations manager at Tatapouri Bay Beachside Accommodation.
“The more face-to-face engagements our Maunga Hikurangi tour guide, Monty, does, the more he builds up a reliable reputation and a sturdy product,” says Lleuarne Panoho, communications and facilities manager at Nāti Growth.
“He sells it easily with his passion for the tour. It’s sincere, and buyers can see this.”
Operators also used the event to strengthen relationships and maintain Tairāwhiti Gisborne's profile among international travel buyers.
“TRENZ is always a benefit for us, not just to make new contacts but also to connect with existing partnerships and help keep our region on the map,” says Chris Savage, owner/operator at Dive Tatapouri.
Alongside promoting individual businesses, operators highlighted the value of presenting a collective regional story.
“I think there is a benefit in numbers and in promoting the region together. Visitors need a reason to travel here, and the more we have to offer as a collective, the more international tour operators and travel agents can sell the region and our experiences,” says Kirsten Searle, owner/operator at Matawhero Wines and Luxury Accommodation.
TRENZ is managed annually by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) in partnership with Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust.