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
Destination Team
-
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.
Find out more -
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.
Find out more -
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.
Find out more -
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.
Find out more -
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.
Find out more