TECNZ CONFERENCE 2021: Speakers and Panelists
ANDREW PATTERSON MC
Andrew has more than 20 years’ experience working in business media both in NZ and Australia as well as four years in the tourism sector based in Queenstown. During the course of his media career he has interviewed more than 1,000 CEOs, Business Leaders and authors and has travelled to more than 50 countries.
A freelance writer and corporate speaker/MC, Andrew admits to being a self- confessed ‘news junkie’ and bookworm and a close follower of global business trends, particularly technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, and the future of work. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master’s in Business Commercialisation & Entrepreneurship from the University of Auckland.
RENE DE MONCHY Tourism New Zealand
René de Monchy joined Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) in August 2015 bringing 20 years' global experience in consumer-led businesses including local and international marketing roles for Fonterra and Heineken and Asia Pacific Breweries in Singapore. Prior to becoming TNZ’s Chief Executive in April 2021, René was TNZ’s Interim Chief Executive for four months. Before this, René was TNZ’s Director Commercial. In this role René led a team across 15 offices in 14 countries responsible for identifying key markets and audiences to target for travel to New Zealand. René also led the development of TNZ’s Aviation Strategy to guide partnerships with international airlines including establishing Memorandum of Understandings with major airlines including Air New Zealand. René is passionate about the tourism sector and active in tourism industry engagement, undertaking regular speaking engagements and panel discussions. René is a member of the following boards and panels: • Tourism Industry Aotearoa • New Zealand Screen Production Grant Significant Economic Benefits Verification Panel • New Zealand Story Board • New Zealand China Council • Qualmark New Zealand Unlimited
TECNZ CONFERENCE 2021: Speakers and Panelists
JUSTIN TIGHE-UMBERS BARNZ
Justin Tighe-Umbers is Executive Director of BARNZ, the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand. BARNZ is the industry association for airlines, representing 26 airline members, along with 3 ground handlers and 2 private jet base operators.
Justin is also co-chair of the New Zealand Aviation Coalition, which was set up in partnership with New Zealand Airports Association in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and represents New Zealand’s leading airlines and airports.
SCOTT CARR AIR NEW ZEALAND
Scott Carr has a 32 year career with Air New Zealand starting with Mount Cook Airlines in Christchurch. His career initially focused on areas such as scheduling, fleet, network planning, revenue management and pricing before moving into the sales areas. Prior to Scott’s current position he spent seven years in Asia as RGM Asia with postings in Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore.
Scott has been in his current role as GM Networks since March 2020. Scott has Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Canterbury and an Executive MBA from the University of Melbourne Business School.
TECNZ CONFERENCE 2021: Speakers and Panelists
PETER SHELLEY Managing Director, Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)
Peter Shelley is a long-term contributor to the development of the Australian tourism industry with more than 25 years’ experience in industry development, business development and tourism association management.
Peter is recognised for his innovative approach displayed via his own business pursuits as well as through leadership roles within state and national tourism industry organisations. He is committed to the continued improvement and global competitiveness of the Australian tourism industry.
Peter’s current role as ATEC Managing Director involves fostering growth opportunities and actively working to reduce impediments impacting on Australia’s $45 Billion tourism export sector.
Prior to re-joining ATEC in 2014, Peter established a successful business venture in electronic invoicing for accommodation providers and consulted via his company Destination Australia Marketing on a range of projects.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Business qualifications.
RICHARD TAYLOR Weta Workshop Richard Taylor is a co-founder and the creative lead at Weta Workshop which he runs with his wife Tania Rodger. Weta Workshop is an award winning concept design studio and physical effect manufacturing facility that services the world’s entertainment and creative industries. Richard has won five Academy Awards© for Weta Workshop’s work on large- scale feature films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and King Kong, as well as being known for The Chronicles of Narnia, Daybreakers, District 9, Avatar, Elysium, The Amazing Spiderman 2, Chappie, The Great Wall, Ghost in the Shell, Power Rangers, Blade Runner 2049, Thor: Ragnarok and The Wandering Earth.
TECNZ CONFERENCE 2021: Speakers and Panelists
This diverse, innovation-driven company also has an international tourist destination, producer of consumer products, interactive studio in collaboration with Florida-based technology company Magic Leap, a behind-the-scenes and media production facility, a creator of public sculptures and immersive exhibition experiences like the record-breaking Gallipoli: The scale of our war at Te Papa. Drawing on 30 years of experience, Richard, is involved in all projects, from concept through to delivery.
In 2010 Richard was awarded a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to film, and in 2012 was named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.