Destination Management Plan
Our guiding document for Destination Management in Taitokerau Northland. See more
Northland NZ encompasses the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for Northland and is one of 31 RTOs across the country. We play a key role in the development of Taitokerau Northland’s visitor economy and work with our communities to take a holistic approach to planning for and sustainably growing it.
Our role also includes marketing the region and helping businesses to build the experiences they have to offer visitors (and locals) in a sustainable way. We work closely with the tourism industry and a number of other key stakeholders both regionally and nationally, to help us achieve this. This includes a close working relationship with Tourism New Zealand as the National Tourism Organisation, and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as our sector’s identified central government ministry.
Areas of Focus
We have seven main areas of focus:
- Industry Engagement
- Product Development
- Destination Marketing
- Destination Development
- Events
- Digital Visibility
- Data and Insights
Tourism Operator Hub
Whether you are starting a business in the tourism industry, are looking to improve your business practices or just want to know more about how to leverage the mahi of your Regional Tourism… See more
Food & Beverage Action Plan
We have a long and rich history here as the birthplace of the nation, with strong traditions connected to trading, food sourcing and production. Coupled with our sub-tropical climate and our… See more
Travel Trade
Here you will find resources, tools, and inspiration for travel trade and tourism industry professionals to help tell our story, and to sell Taitokerau Northland, an unmissable sub-tropical destination, to the world. See more
Regional Events Fund
The Regional Events Fund was first introduced to Te Tai Tokerau in 2021 and provided an exciting opportunity for events in Taitokerau Northland. See more
Study Northland
Study Northland undertakes mahi with schools and tertiary institutions helping to market the region domestically and internationally as a study destination and to improve the experiences of… See more
Destination Team
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Ben Chapman
Head of Destination
Kia ora, ko Ben Chapman tōku ingoa. My ancestors settled in Nelson, and while I grew up there, I have lived most of my adult life in Otago with short stints studying and working abroad.
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Brad Kirner
Destination Management Lead
Kia ora, I grew up in Golden Bay at the top of the South Island and, after living and working in different parts of New Zealand and the Pacific, now call Mangawhai Heads home.
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Sarah Archer
Trade Marketing Manager
I am originally a Yorkshire lass and am privileged to have been living in New Zealand now for 20 years. I’m based in Waipu with my partner who’s an artist and am living the dream on a small block of land with our animals.
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Vallen George
Destination Specialist
Originally from the beautiful Whangaruru, I have just returned to Whangarei from 30 years on the Gold Coast and happy to be home.
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Lisa Cunningham
Destination Specialist (On Maternity Leave)
I was born and raised here in Whangārei and had a typical Northland childhood, most of it spent in, on or around the water. I worked for a few years overseas in my twenties before returning home to settle down.
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In The News
Media Releases From The Team
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Cruise industry looks to rebuild growth
New Zealand’s cruise industry met in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland last week to discuss the highly competitive international market and ship arrivals declining in recent years due to rising costs and… Read more
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Northland showcased to golfers around the world
Te Tai Tokerau Northland has been dubbed a 'must for golfers' by a journalist profiling the region in a national golfing magazine that reaches an international audience online. Pacific Golfer… Read more
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Tourism Carbon Footprint Project leads the way for emission reductions in Northland
Northland Inc has released the final summary report from the Tourism Carbon Footprint Project, confirming strong engagement from local operators and providing the region’s clearest picture yet of… Read more
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Tourism Hui brings industry together to shape future of visitor experience in Northland
Northland’s visitor industry came together last week (Thursday 18 Sept) at the inaugural Taitokerau Tourism Hui, hosted by Northland Inc at the Tahuaroa Conference Centre, Waitangi Treaty Grounds… Read more
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Savour Northland 2025 Launches First Events – A Month-Long Celebration of Culinary Creativity
Savour Northland 2025 Launches First Events – A Month-Long Celebration of Culinary Creativity Read more
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North Island is where it’s at: The plan to win over hearts of tourists with first-of-its-kind alliance
A partnership of 15 tourism organisations from around the North Island, this new alliance will be aimed at generating interest from key tourism markets, including Australia, North America and China, with a wider range of sights and experiences. Read more