Executive PA Australasia April May 2018 | Page 35

NEWZEALAND 9.3 per cent on the previous year and, with extensive investment currently underway, it’s bound to grow year-on- year. New Zealand is hot for business: you heard it here first. ADVICE Doing business the Māori way The ease of doing business in New Zealand is supported by the country’s inclusive and unique style of hospitality, known as ‘manaakitanga’. This Māori word loosely translates to ‘hospitality’ and is central to Māori society, inspiring the way that travellers, including delegates, are made to feel welcome when visiting New Zealand. And you’d be wrong to not consider the possibility that the boss will encounter this unique way of doing business. Estimates are that one in seven people residing in New Zealand are Māori and, according to the Māori Economy Report 2013, Māori businesses account for an economic asset base of over NZ$42.6billion. In fact, so important is the concept of manaakitanga that it’s recognised by the government as one of just two core values relating to its tourism strategy. This means visitors can expect a warm welcome and, with that, comes generosity and mutual respect. Note that the Māori language – te reo – is becoming more commonplace, too. National carrier Air New Zealand has been increasingly using it, helping to embed the Māori culture into the country. Getting here Those travelling for business will need a three-month Business Visitor Visa – but do check before you apply for this as there are more than 50 countries for which the application is waived, including the UK and Ireland, the USA, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Canada, Spain, Kuwait and more. And, while the visa process may seem super-easy, you could be forgiven for thinking the task of getting to New Zealand is tricky – especially if you’re starting in Europe. “New Zealand is just a three-hour direct flight from some Australian ports, and a 10 to 12-hour direct flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the West Coast of the USA,” explains Lisa. And what of enticing delegates on the other side of the world? Lisa reckons it’s easier than you may think: j Save time with one point of contact for 15 destinations. Suitable for executive meetings, conferences, incentives and roadshows, contact Shelley Eastwood to find your inspirational venue. Phone +64 9 979 7525 Email: [email protected] HERITAGEHOTELS.CO.NZ/EVENTS/CONFERENCES April/May 2018 | Chief of Staff 35