Northland tourism to fore among finalists

Dive! co-owners Kate Malcolm and Jeroen Jongejans.

Northland businesses are finalists in five categories in the revitalised 2015 Tourism Industry Awards.

Jeroen Jongejans, co-owner of Dive! Tutukaka, is a finalist in the Tourism Industry Champion category, with Dive Tutukaka! also represented in the Business Excellence (annual turnover less than $6 million category) and Environmental Tourism awards.

The Bay of Islands Destination Marketing Group is vying for an Industry Alignment Award and Sarah Greener, from The Rock Adventure Cruise, Paihia, is a finalist in the Emerging Tourism Leader award.

Northland Inc general manager regional promotions Paul Davis said the strong Northland representation spoke volumes for growing success of the industry. "Their selections in half the categories on offer are a fair reflection of progress and growth of quality tourism ventures in Northland and this is a big positive for the region."

Ms Greener was "chuffed and extremely humbled" to be named as a finalist. "To be one of the finalists representing any of the inspirational tourism companies throughout New Zealand is a huge thing," she said.

Kate Malcolm, co-owner of Dive! Tutukaka, was surprised but delighted.

"There are some fantastic small businesses in the smaller regions, and Tourism 2025 is a framework that easily translates to grass roots actions."

The winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner in Auckland on Friday, October 2.