Auckland unveiled a prominent ‘Tiaki Promise’ mural to welcome the world for TRENZ 2026 – Image: Aucklandunlimited.com
Auckland in Aotearoa New Zealand is welcoming the country’s largest international tourism business event this week, Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ 2026). The multi-day conference is being held for the first time in the city’s brand new International Convention Centre (NZICC).
To mark the occasion, Auckland has unveiled a new public artwork, inspired by the Tiaki Promise, an indigenous Maori shared set of values, rooted in protection, respect and belonging.
The large-scale mural sits adjacent to the newly opened NZICC and will provide a striking welcome for more than 1,200 international travel buyers, media and tourism leaders gathering in Auckland from tomorrow.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Tourism Karen Thompson-Smith says the artwork represents both a welcome to the world and a lasting legacy for the city.
“As Auckland hosts the global tourism industry for TRENZ for the first time in almost a decade, this mural reflects the values we want visitors to experience when they arrive here – care for people, care for place and respect for culture.
“There’s a real momentum in Auckland at the moment, especially in the city centre, where new public spaces and events are bringing a renewed energy.
“We want people to take a fresh look at Auckland and experience the unique mix of culture, urban life and natural beauty that defines this place.”
The mural is a collaborative initiative delivered by Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tiaki partners including Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Industry Aotearoa and the Department of Conservation.
The “Tiaki Promise” logo-mural – Image: Aucklandunlimited.com
Maori indigenous principles
Developed by creative Maori artists, the work transforms the principles of the Tiaki Promise into a permanent public expression of care, guardianship and connection to place.
Anzac Tasker says the mural is designed to inspire reflection and shared responsibility.
“Tiaki embodies the responsibility we each hold to care for our home every day. This mural serves as both a visual statement and a call to action — inviting domestic and international visitors alike to move through this place with the mindset of guardians.
“It reflects a shared set of values rooted in protection, respect and belonging, and now stands prominently in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.”
Tourism New Zealand General Manager Karl Burrows says making sure the Tiaki Promise shows up all across New Zealand is an important way to get the attention of visitors throughout their journey.
“The Tiaki Promise is a kaupapa (principle in Maori) for all of the industry to embrace and share with our manuhiri (visitors), it’s great to see it take pride of place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
“This mural is a beautiful and enduring expression of the principles to care for and protect New Zealand, and we hope locals and visitors alike will take notice and share this piece of public art far and wide.”
Beyond TRENZ 2026, the mural will remain as a permanent addition to Auckland’s public art landscape and will be included in Te Paparahi Toi Māori, the Auckland Art Walk guide that brings Māori culture and history to life through public spaces across the city.
Beyond TRENZ 2026, the mural will remain as a permanent addition to Auckland’s public art landscape and will be included in the Auckland Art Walk guide that brings Māori culture and history to life through public spaces across the city – Image: Aucklandunlimited.com
New Zealand “safe, desirable destination”
Tourism is one of New Zealand’s main export earners. The number of visitors to New Zealand over the summer period (Dec/Jan/Feb) increased by 8.5% vs last summer. Overall, the country is back to 92% of the 3.9 million visitors who visited pre-Covid in 2019, says the head of Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), René de Monchy.
“New Zealand is a desirable, safe, welcoming destination. As of March 2026, appeal for New Zealand remains strong, with 61% of the adult online population rating a holiday to New Zealand as highly appealing, and 48% of active considerers across our key markets identifying New Zealand as their #1 destination,” underscores TNZ’s Chief Executive.
The annual TRENZ tourism business conference is being held in Auckland from 19 to 21 May.
Window view of the new mural from inside the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) – Image: Aucklandunlimited.com
NAN 18-05-26
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