‘Its core values underpin everything we do. They give our visitors a deep connection to the country and its people.’

NZ Maori Tourism director of regions, Simon Phillips says it is all about sharing authentic stories, people, and places.

‘It’s not a show, or put on – it’s just what we do. It’s about how we make our manuhiri (visitors) feel. We want them to feel welcome here, to feel at home. They may arrive as strangers, but we want them to leave as whanau (family),’ he says.

Before MEETINGS 2017 opens on the 30th of May, there will be a blessing of the space and the food by CINZ Maori culture advisor Ngahihi o-te-ra Bidois.

He says CINZ is leading the way when it comes to authenticating indigenous New Zealand Maori culture.

‘This has been demonstrated by CINZ ongoing commitment to honouring and incorporating aspects of te reo Maori (language) and tikanga Maori (values) into major events such as MEETINGS. Maori culture is not just something CINZ does, it is who we are,’ he explains.

There will be 19 regions of New Zealand represented on the show floor, all of which have something different to offer on a cultural level.