Our Speakers
Conference MC - Jesse Mulligan
Kindly sponsored by Ponant
Jesse Mulligan is a versatile and accomplished figure in New Zealand's media landscape, captivating audiences as the weekday afternoons host on RNZ National.
A trained lawyer who pivoted into stand-up comedy, Jesse’s career has been a dynamic blend of intellect and humour. From performing as a comedian to becoming a prominent television current affairs host, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences. He is a former host of The Project and a regular panellist on 7 Days, roles that highlighted his wit and charm.
Originally from Hamilton, Jesse’s diverse career has seen him excel in a range of roles, including stand-up comic, television producer, writer, PR professional, food reviewer, and radio announcer. Adding to his impressive portfolio, Jesse is the restaurant critic for NZ Herald’s Viva magazine, the author of a popular weekly subscription newsletter, I Ate Auckland, and has written for prestigious publications such as The Economist.
A veteran of nearly 20,000 live broadcast interviews, Jesse has honed his craft of engaging with people and storytelling. His ability to distill complex ideas into accessible narratives extends from his media work to delivering insightful briefings, including on emerging topics like AI. His unique background in stand-up comedy and corporate communications allows him to balance humour and warmth with professionalism, making him an engaging and relatable presence.
Jesse’s passion for culture and connection is evident in his respect for tikanga Māori, including his fluency with mihi whakatau and te reo pronunciation. A true family man and media Renaissance figure, Jesse Mulligan’s multifaceted career embodies versatility, insight, and a deep connection to his audience.
SPEAKERS
Joel Katz
Joel Katz is Managing Director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia & Asia, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association and the global peak body representing the cruise industry.
Since 2016, Joel has led CLIA’s work across the region, advocating on behalf of the global cruise industry and its cruise line members. His role involves close engagement with governments, destinations, ports, tourism bodies and industry stakeholders to advance policy settings that recognise cruising’s economic, social and strategic contribution.
Under his regional leadership, CLIA has strengthened its influence as the authoritative voice of the cruise sector, supporting the industry through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, professional development and trade education. CLIA has played a key role in highlighting the value of cruise tourism to regional economies, jobs, supply chains and destination communities, while reinforcing the industry’s commitment to responsible growth, sustainability and constructive destination partnerships.
Joel’s advocacy work is informed by an extensive career in cruising, travel and hospitality, including roles at sea and in hotels across the UK, Europe, Central Asia and Australia.
Jacqui Lloyd
Jacqui has a wealth of experience in destination management and marketing from holding senior roles with Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Auckland, Tourism Holdings Limited, Adelaide Convention Bureau and most recently leading Destination Marlborough - the regional tourism organsiation for the Marlborough region.
As the current CEO of the New Zealand Cruise Association, she advocates for and promotes New Zealand as a cruise destination, while also leading the development and implementation of the National Cruise Strategy, driving initiatives that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the country's cruise industry.
Jacqui has a wealth of experience in destination management and marketing from holding senior roles with Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Auckland, Tourism Holdings Limited, Adelaide Convention Bureau and most recently leading Destination Marlborough - the regional tourism organsiation for the Marlborough region.
As the current CEO of the New Zealand Cruise Association, she advocates for and promotes New Zealand as a cruise destination, while also leading the development and implementation of the National Cruise Strategy, driving initiatives that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the country's cruise industry.
Rene de Monchy
René de Monchy joined Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) in August 2015 bringing 20 years’ global experience in consumer-led business including local and international marketing roles for Fonterra and Heineken. Prior to becoming TNZ’s Chief Executive in April 2021, René was TNZ’s Director Commercial and led the teams across the international markets and Business Events.
Roger Gray
Roger is the CEO of Port of Auckland and was appointed in March 2022. During his career he has led businesses across the Maritime, Aviation, FMCG and Private Equity sectors in both New Zealand and Australia. Before joining the Port of Auckland, Roger was the CEO of Lyttelton Port Company for two years. Lyttelton is the main import and export hub of the South Island. Prior to Lyttelton Port Company he worked at Air New Zealand for 6.5 years where his last role was Group General Manager Airports, overseeing all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 airports around the globe, covering 2,800 staff who handle 18 million passengers annually. In his time at Goodman Fielder he held several senior leadership positions, including Managing Director of Quality Bakers – New Zealand. Earlier in his working life Roger served for 20 years in the Australian Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Roger holds bachelor degrees in arts and economics, a Masters of Business in Integrated Logistics and an MBA. More recently Roger has completed executive education at INSEAD and Kellogg School of Management. Roger joined the Board of NZ Post in July 2024.
Roger is the CEO of Port of Auckland and was appointed in March 2022. During his career he has led businesses across the Maritime, Aviation, FMCG and Private Equity sectors in both New Zealand and Australia. Before joining the Port of Auckland, Roger was the CEO of Lyttelton Port Company for two years. Lyttelton is the main import and export hub of the South Island. Prior to Lyttelton Port Company he worked at Air New Zealand for 6.5 years where his last role was Group General Manager Airports, overseeing all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 airports around the globe, covering 2,800 staff who handle 18 million passengers annually. In his time at Goodman Fielder he held several senior leadership positions, including Managing Director of Quality Bakers – New Zealand. Earlier in his working life Roger served for 20 years in the Australian Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Roger holds bachelor degrees in arts and economics, a Masters of Business in Integrated Logistics and an MBA. More recently Roger has completed executive education at INSEAD and Kellogg School of Management. Roger joined the Board of NZ Post in July 2024.
Paul Hallett
Paul Hallett is the Manager of the Implementation and Approvals Group at Biosecurity New Zealand, based in Wellington, New Zealand. He has over 30 years of experience spanning a broad range of biosecurity disciplines. In his current role, Paul leads a group responsible for a diverse portfolio of functions, including the provision of technical and treatment advice, offshore audits, the issuing of permits, and the assessment and approval of biosecurity systems, including craft risk management plans for cruise vessels.
PANELLISTS
Patrick O'Sullivan
Patrick O’Sullivan is Destination and Experience Manager at ChristchurchNZ, leading destination management initiatives across Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury. He works closely with local authorities, port companies, tourism operators, communities and industry partners to maximise the benefits of tourism, including cruise, for both residents and visitors. Previously, Patrick was General Manager of an iwi-owned tourism business delivering cruise shore excursions, accommodation and hospitality experiences. With extensive experience spanning tourism, hospitality, marketing and governance, he brings a practical understanding of destination stewardship, visitor experience and stakeholder collaboration. Patrick is passionate about ensuring cruise contributes positively to New Zealand’s visitor economy and communities.
Patrick O’Sullivan is Destination and Experience Manager at ChristchurchNZ, leading destination management initiatives across Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury. He works closely with local authorities, port companies, tourism operators, communities and industry partners to maximise the benefits of tourism, including cruise, for both residents and visitors. Previously, Patrick was General Manager of an iwi-owned tourism business delivering cruise shore excursions, accommodation and hospitality experiences. With extensive experience spanning tourism, hospitality, marketing and governance, he brings a practical understanding of destination stewardship, visitor experience and stakeholder collaboration. Patrick is passionate about ensuring cruise contributes positively to New Zealand’s visitor economy and communities.
Gavin Oliver
Gavin Oliver is Managing Director and co-founder of EcoZip Adventures, an award-winning adventure and eco-tourism business operating on Waiheke Island and in Kaikōura. Since launching EcoZip in 2012, Gavin has helped grow the business from a start-up into a respected operator known for innovation, conservation, and strong destination partnerships. EcoZip works closely with the cruise sector, delivering memorable shore experiences that combine spectacular landscapes, engaging interpretation and genuine environmental outcomes. Gavin is also a member of Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s Tourism Council, where he represents SME tourism operators, and is Vice Chair of marine conservation charity Moana Mark.
Andrew McKinnon
Andrew McKinnon is Director, Cruise, Aviation and Access at the South Australian Tourism Commission, with more than 15 years’ experience across tourism, destination development and industry engagement. He leads South Australia’s cruise, aviation and access priorities, working closely with government, ports, airports, regional tourism bodies, cruise lines and operators to grow sustainable visitation and strengthen destination outcomes. Andrew has played a leading role in developing South Australia’s cruise sector, providing strategic advice, partnership support and market insights to industry. As a Board Director of the Australian Cruise Association, he contributes expertise in policy, governance, market development and industry collaboration.
Andrew McKinnon is Director, Cruise, Aviation and Access at the South Australian Tourism Commission, with more than 15 years’ experience across tourism, destination development and industry engagement. He leads South Australia’s cruise, aviation and access priorities, working closely with government, ports, airports, regional tourism bodies, cruise lines and operators to grow sustainable visitation and strengthen destination outcomes. Andrew has played a leading role in developing South Australia’s cruise sector, providing strategic advice, partnership support and market insights to industry. As a Board Director of the Australian Cruise Association, he contributes expertise in policy, governance, market development and industry collaboration.
Debbie Summers
For over thirty years, Debbie has worked within the Destination Management sector (20 years in New Zealand) and in particular the wider Cruise Industry to both progress and advocate within national and international forums.
Having strong senior key relationships with world’s cruise companies at the very highest of levels, she is the Managing Director of ID Tours Ltd, NZs largest cruise DMC. Debbie has expanded NZ shore excursion programmes and ship deployment/itineraries by bringing together and working closely with many key regional cruise tourism stakeholders including NZ wide tourism suppliers.
Debbie has taken a second term within the Auckland City Council Advisory and represents the NZ cruise and tourism voice reporting directly back to the Auckland Mayor and Councillors. She sat on the Board of Tourism Industry Aotearoa New Zealand’s for 6 years, sat on the NZ Cruise Board for 15 years (Chair for 8) and has recently taken the Chairman position of the globally recognised World’s Leading Ground Operators.
Deb Corbett
A graduate in commerce, with a major in marketing, Deb Corbett is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the travel sector. Deb has held leadership roles across key disciplines including retail franchise networks, with a focus on supplier partnerships; hotel contracting in Indonesia and general sales representation for international land & cruise operators. Deb joined PONANT in 2017 as Commercial Director Asia Pacific, and after 3 successful years, she transitioned to the role of General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific for the Sydney-based operations. In July 2024, Deb was appointed CEO for Asia Pacific.
A graduate in commerce, with a major in marketing, Deb Corbett is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the travel sector. Deb has held leadership roles across key disciplines including retail franchise networks, with a focus on supplier partnerships; hotel contracting in Indonesia and general sales representation for international land & cruise operators. Deb joined PONANT in 2017 as Commercial Director Asia Pacific, and after 3 successful years, she transitioned to the role of General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific for the Sydney-based operations. In July 2024, Deb was appointed CEO for Asia Pacific.
Jill Abel
Jill Abel is Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Cruise Association, where she leads the peak body representing cruise destinations, ports and tourism operators across Australia and the South Pacific. With more than three decades of experience in the cruise industry, Jill has played a pivotal role in developing Australia's cruise sector through strategic advocacy, government engagement and industry collaboration. She is a recognised voice on cruise tourism, infrastructure and destination development, working with governments and global cruise lines to strengthen Australia's competitiveness while ensuring cruise delivers lasting benefits for local communities and regional economies.
Speaker & Panellist Bios still to come:
Hon Louise Upston – Minister of Tourism and Hospitality
Hon James Meager – Associate Minister of Transport and Minister for the South Island
Annie Dundas – Director Destination, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Matt Rutherford – Vice President Asia Pacific, Princess Cruises
Alfie Smith – Director Global Ports Operations, Princess Cruises
Mike Mihajlov – Senior Director, Destination Management, Carnival Australia
Jeremy Goodman – Regional Director, Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain, Carnival Corporation & plc
Sandy Olsen – Vice President, Corporate & External Affairs – Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific, Carnival Corporation & plc
Jill Abel – CEO, Australian Cruise Association
... more speakers and panellists to be announced over the coming weeks, including additional representatives from cruise lines, regional tourism organisations, ports, and tourism operators.
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