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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.

People, Places & Progress: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s Industry Symposium

Join us for People, Places & Progress: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s Industry Symposium on the BNZ Theatre Stage on 01 September 2026. The event begins at 9am and runs until 2.30pm, followed by a networking lunch.
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Business Support & Tools

This where you will find HWT's treasure trove of business support, tools, and resources, designed to help you start or grow a thriving tourism business

Regenerative and Sustainable Tourism

Regenerative tourism is focused on the prosperity of people and place and aims to enrich a community

Event Organisers Toolkit

Discover practical guidance and essential resources to help you plan and deliver successful events.

Social Impact for Events

A guide to measuring and communicating the social impact of events

Latest News, Events, & Workshops

We strive to assist tourism businesses with staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best business practices through events, workshops and news releases.

Tiaki in Kirikiriroa

For Kirikiriroa Hamilton tourism and hospitality businesses, caring for people, place and culture is at the forefront of everything they do with many already making standout contributions to the environment and community and sharing stories of our special place.

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

Country Music Star Kaylee Bell to Headline Equifests 4CYTE Festival of Speed in Hamilton

16 July 2026
New Zealand country music superstar Kaylee Bell will headline Equifest’s Friday night show event, the 4CYTE™ Festival of Speed, delivering a live concert as part of the evening of fast-paced equestrian entertainment at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton.

Jim Beam Homegrown brings a big crowd and a big economic boost to Hamilton 

27 May 2026
Jim Beam Homegrown’s move to Hamilton hit all the right notes, with the festival generating almost $10million into the local economy in its first year in the city. 

Record-breaking 800 kiwi translocated from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

14 May 2026
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Save the Kiwi, and mana whenua have made conservation history, with the cumulative total of kiwi translocated from the sanctuary surpassing 800.

Tasman Holiday Parks Expands New Zealand Footprint with Acquisition of Raglan Sunset Motel

13 May 2026
Tasman Holiday Parks has today announced the acquisition of Hahei Beach Resort in the Coromandel and Raglan Sunset in Waikato, further strengthening the company’s growing presence across New Zealand and reinforcing its commitment to investing in regional tourism and local communities.

Rebuilding regional tourism after severe weather

26 April 2026
The Government is investing more than $800,000 to repair three of New Zealand’s Great Ride cycle trails following significant storm damage, plus marketing funding to aid regional tourism recovery, says Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
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