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Industry Section

This part of waikatonz.com is designed to keep our local tourism industry up-to-date with the latest news, industry events and sector activities happening in the Waikato region.

Waikato is a region of diversity; an agricultural powerhouse of awe-inspiring natural wonders including the mighty Waikato River, Waitomo caves, surf beaches, and is home to Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Raukawa.

Destination Management Plan

Latest Industry News

Door stays open for airport growth

15 September 2026
An independent commissioner says Hamilton Airport has made a compelling case to keep the door open for a future runway extension.

New Zealand Pro Secures Place on WSL 2027 Championship Tour Schedule

15 September 2026
The World Surf League (WSL) has announced the New Zealand Pro will return as a stop on the Championship Tour (CT) for the 2027 season.

Dual finalist honours for Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in 2026 Tourism and Business Awards

9 September 2026
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has earned recognition on both the national and regional stage, being named as a finalist in two categories in both the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards and in the 2026 Waikato Business Awards.

One Flight campaign named Waikato Business Awards finalist

9 September 2026
Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s One Flight campaign has been named a finalist in the Kiwibank Marketing category at the 2026 Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, recognising a collaborative international marketing campaign which generated an estimated $5.4 million in visitor spend across the central North Island.

Double national honour puts spotlight on Hamilton's events industry

6 August 2026
Hamilton's growing reputation as a destination for major events has been recognised nationally, with H3 Group taking home two of the industry's highest honours at the 2026 New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Awards.
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