Two Christchurch city champions have joined the Tūwhana business events advocate programme, elevating the initiative to new heights at its first anniversary.
The programme’s first anniversary was celebrated during an evening event where new advocates Mark Rocket and professor Alex Tan were welcomed to Tūwhana by the programme patron, Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger.
Internet and aerospace entrepreneur Mark Rocket is the current President of Aerospace New Zealand and as CEO of Kea Aerospace is leading the way in the emerging aerospace sector in Aotearoa.
Professor of Political Science and International Relations and the coordinator of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Canterbury, Alex Tan is an established thought leader in the fields of Taiwan and Asian politics and international relations of the Asia-Pacific.
Designed to attract prestigious international conferences to Christchurch, Tūwhana brings together thought leaders from multiple sectors and communities who work to promote Ōtautahi Christchurch as an international destination for business events. Tūwhana means to advocate and is inspired by a common phrase used in waka ama to urge people to work together: “Tūwhanawhana mai, tū hāpainga”.
One year into the Tūwhana programme, positive outcomes are evident, with advocates supporting and endorsing conference bids, attending events to connect with clients and showcase the city, connecting with their networks and other bid champions and building a long-term pipeline of business.
Rocket and Tan will work alongside existing Tūwhana advocates to promote Christchurch’s industry and sector strengths, helping to boost focus areas and create a long-lasting legacy with their wealth of knowledge in their respective fields.
Tūwhana’s current advocates include Bridget Williams, the founder of Bead and Proceed, an organisation that educates people about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; Tanya McCall, chair of Tangata Atumotu Trust, a not-for-profit Pasifika health and social services provider; Tanja Mitrović, a professor at the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury; Kate Reid, chair of the Cancer Society of New Zealand’s Canterbury/West Coast Division; Antarctic legend and natural environment champion Graeme Ayres; and former mayor of Christchurch Lianne Dalziel.
ChristchurchNZ head of business events, Megan Crum, said: “…It is great to see the momentum the programme has created, with our incredible advocates forming that important connection with their industries and networks to the business events sector.”
