Mayor appointed to tourism task force

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick will co-chair the new task force.

Rotorua's mayor has been appointed as a co-chairperson on the Government's new Tourism Futures Taskforce.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis made the announcement earlier today naming Mayor Steve Chadwick and Tourism Holdings chief executive Grant Webster as co-chairs of the task force.

The task force is part of the Government's Tourism Sector Recovery Plan and will continue the work started by Tourism New Zealand to "reimagine the future of tourism", says Davis.

He says the pair were selected because "they both have a deep understanding of the sector".

'Their leadership, skills and experience will be vital to ensuring we can rebuild a sector that's more economically, environmentally and culturally sustainable so that it delivers on its promises to Kiwis and visitors alike," says Davis.

Chadwick says it's good for Rotorua to have a voice at the table and "I was very pleased to be asked".

"The task force will need to move nimbly and innovatively to identify and address issues and opportunities to shape and support the recovery of New Zealand tourism.

"Coming from Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand tourism, I know the sector's story well and I look forward to our first task force meeting to set goals and objectives and get things underway.

"This will be an opportunity to support the recovery of tourism and ensure we build a tourism future that is sustainable – that's something Minister Davis has indicated is an outcome he is seeking," says Chadwick.

Minister Davis also announced $20.2 million worth of funding for the country's 31 Regional Tourism Organisations and $4 million to protect Discover Waitomo from the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown.

They are the first recipients of support from the $400 million Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.

Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey says he was pleased with Chadwick's appointment.

'I am proud to enjoy a strong working relationship with Steve as Waiariki MP, and I mihi to her on her appointment.

"Steve is a proven voice and force at the table, with unrivalled leadership in rapidly growing tourism audiences, and working collectively with iwi and communities to make positive change happen.

"This appointment is a win for her, the Waiariki and New Zealand,” says Coffey.

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