Te Waka was honoured to host nearly 35 foreign diplomats and their spouses as they toured Hamilton Kirikiriroa and Waikato last week from Thursday 9th June to Friday 10th June during their Diplomatic Study Tour.
The tour of the Waikato was developed to showcase Waikato’s strengths and opportunities for economic development, to provide an overview of the Waikato to the diplomats and entice them back for future more in-depth visits. A programme was developed that would allow the diplomats plenty of opportunity to engage directly with business leaders and local government in networking style events.
Waikato region's business leaders as well as some of our key stakeholders and partners, were a part of the tour to tell our ‘Waikato Story’ and showcase our region's prime location and diverse economy as the best place to do business.
The tour began with a stop at APL's new operations in Hautapu on Thursday morning. After which the tour were officially welcomed by King Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia during a pōwhiri ceremony. Coming back to Hamilton they enjoyed the opportunity to browse through the beautiful Hamilton Gardens.
On Thursday evening, the tour came back together to the Atrium at Wintec for an evening of entertainment and further engagement with Waikato’s business leaders, while enjoying the best of what the Waikato has to offer with a Feast of the Waikato and entertainment by Waikato artists.
On Friday the diplomats were welcomed to two separate events which gave opportunity to connect with local businesses. The first one was held at Zealong Tea Estate in the morning and the second one event at Waikato Innovation Park in the afternoon to complete the tour of the region. Each event was attended by around 15 – 20 businesses from the region of different sectors and industries. The intent was to highlight the diversity of the region and the high suitability of the Waikato for a variety of business.
The tour was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and co-hosted by Hamilton City Council.
