preliminary CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Cruise doesn't return by chance. It returns by choice.

From No Zealand to New Zealand tells the story of what it takes to rebuild New Zealand's place on global cruise itineraries. Every successful cruise season begins with the right settings, is secured through confident deployment decisions, delivered through operational excellence, and strengthened through industry collaboration. Join us as we explore the role each of us plays in getting New Zealand back on the map.

THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2026

7.00am	Registration Desk Opens
7.30am	Networking Breakfast - *sponsored by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited* COFFEE CART - *sponsored by Napier Port*
8.30am	Mihi Whakatau Welcome to Auckland
SESSION ONE	Settings - Creating the conditions for cruise to operate and compete This session sets the scene by looking at the policy, regulatory and strategic environment that underpins the cruise industry. It explores what has changed over the past 12 months, what the sector has achieved, the progress made through NZCA's work with Government, what still needs attention, and why getting the settings right matters to every port, destination, supplier and operator. The session also provides the global context, helping delegates understand how New Zealand compares internationally. Keynote Hon Louise Upston – Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Speakers: Joel Katz – Executive Director, CLIA Australasia & Asia Jacqui Lloyd – CEO, New Zealand Cruise Association
10.30am- 11.00am	MORNING TEA, Sponsored by Precinct

SESSION TWO	Deployment - Earning New Zealand's place on the itinerary Many people outside the cruise industry don't appreciate just how competitive cruise deployment is. Every ship deployed to New Zealand has competed against destinations around the world for that opportunity. Cruise line executives must build a compelling commercial case before a ship is ever scheduled. This session lifts the curtain on that process. Fireside Chat with Jacqui Lloyd The Reality of Cruise Deployment - A conversation on what really drives deployment decisions Matt Rutherford – Vice President Asia Pacific, Princess Cruises Panel Discussion Unpacking the Business Case · Deb Corbett – CEO APAC, Ponant Explorations · Alfie Smith – Director Global Ports Operations, Princess Cruises · Mike Mihajlov – Senior Director, Destination Management, Carnival Australia · Matt Rutherford - Vice President Asia Pacific, Princess Cruises · Additional cruise line executive TBA Moderated by Jacqui Lloyd
12.30pm-1.30pm	LUNCH, Sponsored by CLIA
SESSION THREE	Delivery - Making every visit work on the ground Once deployment has been secured, the focus shifts to delivery. From pilot boarding to departure, every cruise visit relies on seamless coordination across ports, agencies, tourism operators, destinations and suppliers. Every interaction contributes to the experience of the cruise line, its guests and its crew, while helping build confidence in New Zealand as a destination that consistently delivers. This session explores what it takes to deliver a successful cruise visit, the progress made across the sector, and the opportunities still ahead. Speakers · Roger Gray, CEO, Port of Auckland · Paul Hallett, Manager Implementation & Approvals, Biosecurity Import & Export Standards, Biosecurity NZ · Rene De Monchy, CEO, Tourism New Zealand · Jeremy Goodman, Regional Director – Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain, Carnival Corporation & plc Panel Discussion From Gangway to Great Experience · Debbie Summers – Managing Director, ID New Zealand · Patrick O'Sullivan, Destination & Experience Manager, ChristchurchNZ · Andrew Locke, GM Commercial and CentreConnect, CentrePort · Gavin Oliver, Managing Director, EcoZip · Jeremy Goodman, Regional Director – Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain, Carnival Corporation & plc Moderated by Oscar Nathan – GM Tourism Bay of Plenty
3.30pm- 4.00pm	AFTERNOON SMOKO, Sponsored by Prime Port Timaru
4.00pm SESSION FOUR 4.45pm	Speaker Hon James Meager – Associate Minister of Transport and Minister for the South Island Trans-Tasman: The Next Horizon While Australia and New Zealand each have their own priorities, both face many of the same challenges around deployment, regulation, infrastructure and destination development. Rather than competing in isolation, there are significant opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge and strengthen the South Pacific's competitiveness as a world-class cruise destination. Panel Discussion · Jill Abel – CEO, Australian Cruise Association · Andrew McKinnon – Director, Cruise, Aviation and Access, South Australian Tourism Commission · Sandy Olsen – Vice President, Corporate & External Affairs – Carnival Corporation & plc · Additional cruise line executive TBA Moderated by Joel Katz – Executive Director, CLIA Australasia & Asia Conference Wrap Up and Close 2027 Conference Location

5.00pm -
7.30pm

NETWORKING EVENT, Sponsored by Port of Auckland