MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' Debbie Summers reelected as New Zealand Cruise Association chairperson

Debbie Summers is entering her fourth year as chairperson of the NZ Cruise Association

Falkland Islands born New Zealand Executive Director Debbie Summers is entering her fourth year as chairperson of the New Zealand Cruise Association following the seventh annual conference in Auckland August 22-23.

Ports of Auckland Cruise Operations Manager Leigh Robins was re-elected deputy chairman and Mark Kerr, Akorn DMC cruise manager New Zealand, was elected treasurer.

The other board members are Kevin Winders (Port Otago), Bruce Lochhead (Napier Port), Sean Marsh (Te Puia), Jacqui Lloyd (Destination Marlborough) and Doug Colaco (ISS-McKay). Tansy Tompkins is the representative of Tourism New Zealand and she is joined by Steve Hanrahan, advocacy manager of Tourism Industry Aotearoa. Kevin O’Sullivan is CEO.

A record number of more than 250 delegates attended this year’s event, which had the theme ‘Shaping the Future.’

In keeping with the tradition of holding the conference every other year outside of Auckland, it was announced that NZCA 2020 will be held in Christchurch next August.

Christchurch was devastated by an earthquake in February 2011 and cruise ships have been diverted to Akaroa which has proved to be a popular destination and is now firmly on the international cruise map.

Lyttelton, the major port for Christchurch which was severely damaged, is set to open New Zealand's firs custom built cruise facility in November 2020.