It’s been a busy year for the TAANZ board and its ceo—and the industry body is keen to continue the momentum and progress its strategy.
The TAANZ AGM held in Auckland yesterday had all the hallmarks of the occasion: finances were in surplus, achievements acknowledged and announcements made.
But it was the general collegiate feeling of an industry collaborating for its members and making gains that impressed some of those present.
There’s been a lot of behind the scenes work that the TAANZ leadership team has undertaken over the past year, and many credit TAANZ ceo Julie White for the inroads the body has achieved under her tenure, including closer government ties, such as with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the association’s first election manifesto.
The travel agent body has also aligned closely with its Aussie counterpart ATIA to successfully advocate for the travel agent distribution, including on the Fiji Tourism Tax (with White an observer to Fiji’s Tourism Action Group).
. . . Five Pillars
The board, made up of members from across the retail brands, has been working together for the wider travel industry. In Sep it established five pillars of the TAANZ strategic plan: advocacy, collaboration, resilience, assurance and promotion.
White says the agent association has never been in a stronger position.
“TAANZ is more visible, more connected and more influential than ever. That reflects a united board, committed members, strong industry partnerships and a clear strategic direction,” she says. “2025 was about building the foundations.
In 2026 we have built on them and delivered real value to members.”
TAANZ also delivered a new website, a brand refresh, and continued its workforce development scheme.
. . . Board Update
The TAANZ board remains unchanged for the next two years, with Jason Buckley, Jackie Bell and Andrew Bowman re-elected. Tori Courtney was re-elected as president, and Bell as vice-president.
. . . NTIAs Will Glow
The Glow-themed TAANZ NTIAs is being staged 01 May, designed to give all those in the industry their time to shine. Platinum partners Air New Zealand, Qantas and Singapore Airlines return as sponsors and the evening will be back at the NZICC in Auckland.
Travel Today is also proud to again be the media sponsor for the event.
