about us

PHOTO CREDIT: Matapōuri, Northland (Miles Holden)

The Role of Regional Tourism New Zealand

Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ) is the peak body for Aotearoa New Zealand’s Regional Tourism Organisations, which are each the representative of the local government investment in the tourism sector for their community. RTNZ aims to encourage better collaboration and coordination amongst RTO’s as well as ensuring collective engagement and consultation on issues critical to the development of tourism in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The activities RTNZ engages in include:

  • Developing RTNZ submissions on government and local government issues and draft plans that impact the collective
  • Providing advice, assistance and professional development to members
  • Developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with stakeholder agencies in the tourism sector, government and local government
  • Negotiation and execution of project based funding contracts that support the primary goals of RTNZ and its member organisations.
  • Coordination and responding to media enquiries made to RTNZ or through it to members
  • Maintaining the profile and understanding of what RTOs do in the tourism sector and to other stakeholders who contribute to the successful and sustainable development of tourism as a way through which New Zealand communities can become more vibrant and prosperous.

Meet the Team

Regional Tourism New Zealand is managed by an independent chair and governed by a board of trustees. Day to day operations are looked after by the chair, a director of destination management and a network coordinator/executive assistant.  RTNZ Trustees are elected by the membership network. Trustees are elected for a three year term and have the option to renew their position for a further two terms. 

David Perks

Chairperson

Kiri Goulter

Director - Destination Management

Kirsty Davies

Executive Assistant & Network Coordinator

Dylan Rushbrook

Trustee | Central Otago

Janet Reynolds

Trustee | Manawatū

Hamish Saxton

Trustee | Hawke's Bay

Tania Burt

Trustee | Northland

Mat Woods

Trustee | Queenstown

Loren Aberhart

Trustee | Christchurch