Graduations, an announcement of the latest inductees and some new and refreshed sponsorships were all part of a TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) NZ ceremony and function at Crown Institute of Studies in Auckland early April. Photographs are by Margaret Tuakai and Stu Freeman. (See full coverage of the event here.)

• Liz Grossman, FWWC23; Andrew Dale,... Liz Grossman, FWWC23; Andrew Dale,...
• Chris Jones, Expedia TAAP; Debbie... Chris Jones, Expedia TAAP; Debbie...
• Megan Roberts, AUT; Tony Laskey,... Megan Roberts, AUT; Tony Laskey,...
• Puretu Puangi, Crown Institute of... Puretu Puangi, Crown Institute of...
• Leanne Cheeseman United Airlines; Lauren... Leanne Cheeseman United Airlines; Lauren...
• Lindy Christian, Our World; Alex... Lindy Christian, Our World; Alex...
• Jo O'Sullivan, Cruise World; James... Jo O'Sullivan, Cruise World; James...
• Mike van Beekhuizen, Allianz; ScottCleaver,... Mike van Beekhuizen, Allianz; ScottCleaver,...
• Chris Jones, Expedia; Andrew Gay,... Chris Jones, Expedia; Andrew Gay,...
• Brendan Drury, Orbit World Travel;... Brendan Drury, Orbit World Travel;...
• Sam Cameron, Destination New South... Sam Cameron, Destination New South...
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Graduations, an announcement of the latest inductees and some new and refreshed sponsorships were all part of a TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) NZ ceremony and function at Crown Institute of Studies in Auckland early April.

The proceedings were held in an atmosphere of optimism as borders open, the industry gets busy and the focus is firmly put on developing skills as well as retaining and attracting talented personnel in the travel and tourism sectors.

Tourism Australia has introduced a second tier to its travel agent training in New Zealand with the introduction of the Premier Aussie Specialist Program.

The premier membership category acknowledges destination expertise, inside knowledge and strong ties with the Australian travel industry with an established record of selling Australia.

Aussie Specialist Trainer, Daniel Wright recently sat down with a current mentee of the TIME NZ programme, Alex Hannagan, to discuss the benefits of TIME and why people should apply.

This follows TIME NZ’s partnership with Tourism Australia to offer the inaugural Aussie Specialist Scholarship to members of the wider travel industry.

Tourism Australia is reminding New Zealand agents about the relaunched Aussie Specialist Program.

The programme, which is run in conjunction with Australia’s State and Territory Tourism Organisations, has been given a new look and feel in its 32nd year with greater personalisation, faster qualifying times and shorter, more interactive training modules.

Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison says the investment comes after many frontline travel sellers turned to the Aussie Specialist Program over the past 18 months to learn and position themselves as champions for Australian travel once borders re-open.

Tourism Australia recently appointed Daniel Wright as Aussie Specialist Program trainer for New Zealand, based in Auckland.

Wright’s most recent role was senior marketing executive at South Australia Tourism Commission, based in London since January 2018. He brings more than 10 years of experience working in the travel industry, working for brands such as Flight Centre and Jucy Rentals, along with other luxury and specialist our operators.

Tourism Australia is set to appoint an Aussie Specialist Programme (ASP) trainer in the New Zealand market. The recruitment process is underway now. For all non-ASP related business the contact will be TA’s Sydney-based general manager domestic and New Zealand Andrew Hutchinson and his team.

Phillipa Harrison, TA’s managing director, says the move reflects the importance of personal meetings now that the trans Tasman bubble has opened.

Congratulations to Zoe Christensen from Flight Centre Cambridge, who is the lucky winner of the recent Aussie Specialist Program incentive.