We wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Hēmi Sundgren, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Rangatahi, who begins his new position as Pou Ārahi- Māori for Tourism New Zealand.

This is the first Māori role in an executive leadership position at Tourism New Zealand, the organisation responsible for marketing Aotearoa New Zealand to the world as a tourist destination.

Hēmi’s invaluable knowledge and expertise will be a major asset to Tourism New Zealand.

NZ Māori Tourism is delighted to welcome Hēmi to the tourism whānau as he carves out this new path for not only Tourism New Zealand but the industry as a whole.

Hēmi joins the tourism industry after leaving his former position as Pouwhakahaere of Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust in Taranaki.