We've a reputation for being 'clean and green' but New Zealand's environmental failings haven't escaped unnoticed by international media. Photo / 123RF
We've a reputation for being 'clean and green' but New Zealand's environmental failings haven't escaped unnoticed by international media. Photo / 123RF
Opinion by Stephanie Holmes
Stephanie Holmes, Editor - Lifestyle Brands, for NZME, works as an editor, writer, and editorial leader, and as a presenter of videos and podcasts.
There was a celebratory feeling in Auckland last week, with the annual Trenz tourism trade conference hitting town.
At a media presentation on "Tourism for Tomorrow", Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief Chris Roberts, Tourism New Zealand's new chief executive Stephen England-Hall and Air New Zealand boss Christopher Luxon sang the usualtune: NZ is the best little country in the world.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief Chris Roberts. Photo / Jason Oxenham
They're right, of course. But it was interesting to hear from a UK Telegraph journalist who wanted to know what we're doing to fix our environmental failings, citing our polluted rivers and cuts to Department of Conservation funding (this was prior to Tourism Minister Paula Bennett's announcement of an extra $76 million for DoC).
"It's better than Manchester," Luxon quipped. A new tagline to replace '100% Pure', perhaps?
