Rotorua Tourism Committee
The Rotorua Tourism Committee was constituted by the Rotorua District Council on the 29th August 2010 to ensure growth in tourism thereby creating economic benefit for the Rotorua community. At its core mandate the Tourism Committee helps to ensure an active working partnership between the Council and the tourism industry that enables effective decision making on key issues relating to tourism industry marketing and development.
The Tourism Committee supports the Rotorua District Council and its regional tourism organisation – Destination Rotorua Marketing, and are tasked with promoting innovation and fresh strategic thinking to assist Rotorua retain and build on its position as New Zealand's first and premiere tourism destination. The outputs of this are a yearly business plan and facilitation of the Ten Year Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy as a supporting document for the Council Long-term Council Community Plan.
We are making progress on a structure to improve the channels of communication, engagement and input from industry through the establishment of an improved industry liaison structure - please click here to view the discussion paper that has formed the reommendation to Council moving forward.
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Current committee members
Tony Marks (Chairman)
Tony Marks grew up in Bath, England, won a scholarship to Harvard, ran a rock band good enough to play with Stevie Wonder, got All American recognition in soccer and managed an honours degree in history and economics. Having tried engineering, Tony decided he was a better salesman and has been in sales and marketing all his working life, working in England, the USA, Venezuela and New Zealand, largely for multi - nationals such as Kraft Foods, Carter Holt Harvey, Air New Zealand, Zespri and Virgin Blue.
Retiring at 61, Tony became a professional independent Director and holds, or has held, directorships in a variety of food companies, airlines, tourism organisations, jetpack manufacturers and local bodies. He relishes the intellectual challenges posed by each organization and is determined to try to help in the attainment of a more prosperous future for Rotorua.
Karl Johnstone
Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngai Tamanuhiri
Karl Johnstone is currently the Director of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Alongside Karl's experience in education, his background includes several years managing creative and strategy teams at our National Museum – Te Papa. As well as establishing many of the current interpretive and strategic frameworks for the Museum, Karl is well-versed in the disciplines of design, filmmaking, interactive development and language strategy and writing. He was also responsible for leading, researching for, or supporting the development of over twenty major exhibitions for the Museum.
Karl moved to Te Puia in 2008 as the General Manager Visitor Experience and Operations and has had a particular focus on the interface between cultural and commercial development and the NZMACI cultural heritage opportunity at a local, national and international level.
Karl has been involved in a number of cultural centre projects in New Zealand and internationally and continues to support numerous iwi throughout New Zealand toward developing culturally and commercially sustainable businesses.
Elizabeth Valentine
Elizabeth's background across a board range of sectors is one of transformation and change, leading organisations as the Chief Executive, leading change projects as a management consultant, and as a director of four organisations.
She is the immediate past Chief Executive of the Aviation, Tourism, Travel and Museums ITO where she spent nearly 5 years.
With national and international networks and experience in the visitor and aviation sectors plus her background of 20+ years experience in management and executive consulting roles, Elizabeth brought a broad range of strategy, change management, facilitation and communication skills to the Rotorua Tourism Council in December 2011, a role she is passionate about.
Elizabeth has an MBA from Henley (UK), a Diploma of Business Studies from Massey University (Training and Development) and is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Business Administration in a governance-related topic.
Maureen Waaka
I am Rotorua born and bred from Ohinemutu, and of Te Arawa from Ngati Pukaki o Ngati Whakaue and Ngati Turumakina o Tuwharetoa. I grew up with Maori Culture, St Faith's choir, kappa haka youth clubs, Guide Rangi and Guide Kiddo's concert groups, and tourism opportunities. If I had commissions from all the photos on postcards, biscuit tins, playing cards, calendars, adverts and promo's, et al, I would be on easy street today!
My life has been embellished with tourism from a young age not as an extension but as an integral part of my life. As Miss New Zealand I took NZ tourism forward in a coast-to-coast hook up to 40 million viewers, and TV shows. I led the first ever Australian "Tiki" promotional marketing tour. I am the Inaugural President of Maori in Tourism and launched the concept nationwide. I served as a member of the NZ Tourism Council. I have been in business at the former THC Rotorua International Hotel, Whakarewarewa, former Centra Hotel Rotorua, former Park Heritage Rotorua Hotel, former Heritage Rotorua Hotel, now the Holiday Inn Rotorua Hotel, for over 35 years, delivering the original consistent high standard hangi and concert product. Although the Council representative I also bring my expertise and vast experience to support the Tourism Committee.
Stewart Brown
Stewart comes from an extensive tourism background with over 18 years' in tourism with the last 7 years based in Rotorua. After several senior leadership roles in both the Retail and Tourism sectors Stewart is currently Regional General Manager for Ngāi Tahu Tourism and also holds the Position of Vice President for ITOC.
Stewart's strength and skills in business and product development have seen him lead involvement in the America's Cup 2000, the opening of the Custom House duty free in Auckland, Franz Joseph Glacier Hot Pools and the soon to be opened Rainbow Springs development.
'I am very passionate about tourism in our city and recognise the importance it has on the local economy'
