NZ Events Association appoints new Chair and Deputy-Chair

This month, the NZ Events Association is farewelling its outgoing Board Chair Graham Rouse at the completion of his constitutional term while also welcoming Loren Heaphy as the new Chair, and Kevin Murphy as new Deputy Chair.

Rouse, having served on the Board for six years, including three years as Chair leaves the NZ Events Association (NZEA) in great shape. He has not only supported the industry during the COVID-19 challenges, but ensured the NZEA has excellent industry credibility, positioning the organisation to further hone their strategic outcomes as they move into the recovery phase of COVID-19.

NZEA now moves forward following the appointments of Heaphy as new Chair, and Murphy as Deputy Chair. With Heaphy having served two years on the NZEA Board, and Murphy three, both are well placed to build on the Association’s success.

Heaphy will contribute her considerable experience in the events sector, including her current role as General Manager of Destination & Attractions for Christchurch NZ, and governance role on the Tourism Export Council New Zealand while Murphy, as the Events Manager for Napier City Council, brings a wealth of knowledge and connections throughout the New Zealand events sector and a particular passion for regional events and the economic impact they generate.   

Both Heaphy and Murphy are excited by the future industry opportunities the current climate presents the Association with wider acknowledgment of the economic, social and cultural benefits of events to New Zealand communities.

Heaphy adds “we know there is still much to do to support our industry in regrouping, and myself, Kevin, and the rest of the NZEA Board and Management look forward to working with everyone to achieve future resilience and sustainability in the sector”.

Image top: Kevin Murphy (L) and Loren Heaphy (R); image above Graham Rouse