Kristin moves up the Tourism BOP ranks

Tourism Bay of Plenty has announced former 2IC and head of marketing Kristin Dunne as the organisation's new CEO.

Assuming the leadership role on Monday, Kristin's appointment comes after a rigorous selection process following parting CEO Rhys Arrowsmith's resignation in December.


New Tourism Bay of Plenty CEO Kristin Dunne. Photo: Supplied

Kristin is looking forward to building on the good work already done by Tourism Bay of Plenty and to help the organisation achieve its vision of being a billion-dollar industry by 2030.

'My time at Tourism Bay of Plenty has given me a great platform of knowledge to take forward, and in-depth understanding of the current situation and what direction to take. We have a great team and good momentum that can continue without delay."

Kristin has been head of marketing at Tourism Bay of Plenty for the past two years and comes from a varied background – from financial services and media to telecommunications and IT.

Prior to joining the Tourism Bay of Plenty in 2014, she was a general manager at Vodafone NZ's business division and Chief Operating Officer for Woosh Wireless. She also owned her own company which worked with SME companies to help improve their marketing and increase their profits.

She's now lived in the Bay for the past seven years with her partner and son and describes the region as her home.

'I am passionate about the region and the opportunity for tourism. Increasing visitor spend in our region increases the revenue for our local businesses and residents, so it is meaningful to contribute to our economy by helping to create growth.”

Chairman Ian Smith says Kristin was appointed following a rigorous selection process which saw her beat out high calibre candidates from across the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.

He says as 2IC Kristin was part of the organisation's succession plan but they put her through her paces against stiff competition during a contestable process.

'We are delighted that Kristin was the successful candidate. The board and I are wholly confident we have the ideal leader for the next stage of evolution for Tourism Bay of Plenty,” says Ian.

'I also acknowledge Rhys Arrowsmith's contribution in his four-year tenure at Tourism Bay of Plenty – his dedication to the role saw the formation of a solid foundation for growth.”

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4 comments

MAY the 4TH be with you.

Posted on 04-05-2016 16:16 | By babyG

Well done. Top priorities. Get to work on inproving the image of TBOP, get rid of the iPort and work on the establishment a of new Mount isite for the benefit of everyone.


Dead outfit

Posted on 04-05-2016 17:06 | By Crash test dummies

So is she the undertaker to help get this dead duck leech like organisation into the box and buried?


Not before time!

Posted on 05-05-2016 06:33 | By monty1212

Lets hope she does a better job than the last one!


Time for change.

Posted on 05-05-2016 09:24 | By Jayleen Wood

Oops so much for the


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