Te Puia has been named the supreme winner at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards, which is said was a great honour.
Iconic Iwi-owned Rotorua tourism attraction Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Craft Institute has won the industry’s highest accolade, being named the supreme winner of the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Te Puia NZMACI was the winner across multiple categories, including the NZME Visitor Experience Award, Sudima Hotel Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) and was a finalist in the Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award category.
“Winning this award fills me with such a huge sense of achievement for our team and our community,” said Te Puia NZMACI Chief Executive Tim Cossar.
“Our business is one of duality, we are not only a tourism business but also a cultural training institution 100 years young. When we were faced with turning our business around in 2019 we were faced with not only delivering great tourism experiences for Kiwis and international guests, but also great outcomes for our community, they are our backbone, who have had our back and taken us to places we couldn’t go alone.”
Judges praised Te Puia for its bold transformation over the past five years, highlighting its focus on long-term sustainability and a high-quality visitor experience for both New Zealanders and international visitors alike. They noted the positive impact of this shift on the business, its community, and the wider tourism industry, reshaping Te Puia into a truly iconic experience that will stand the test of time.
The annual New Zealand Tourism Awards provide an opportunity for tourism businesses, both large and small, to showcase achievements across 12 categories, with the finalists providing a benchmark of excellence and inspiration to the wider tourism industry. This year saw a record 150 entries received.
The 35 judges were impressed by the exceptional quality of entries, with many commenting on the breadth of innovation, dedication and excellence demonstrated by tourism operators across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Tonight has highlighted the incredible passion driving Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry. The diversity and quality of entries reflect an industry that continues to find new ways to deliver outstanding visitor experiences, grounded in manaakitanga,” said TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram.
“It’s inspiring to celebrate the people and businesses who make our industry so special. Warm congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and this year’s finalists.”
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