About East Auckland Tourism

Background

East Auckland Tourism is an organisation setup and supported by Howick Local Board & Tataki Auckland Unlimited (formerly ATEED) to promote and guide tourism to our East Auckland suburbs.

East Auckland has a rich colonial history, stunning beaches, is home to a great café culture and a wide range of restaurants plus some unique business and shopping options. Locals are very proud of their community. We are excited about lifting the profile of the East Auckland Region by showcasing it to a wider audience and making information easy to find.

East Auckland Tourism continually strives to represent all businesses in the region that deliver products and services to the tourism and hospitality market. 

Mission Statement:

To capture and create local tourism opportunities, within New Zealand’s strongest and most rapidly growing business sector that lay the foundation for sustained promotion and visitation to the wider East Auckland Community.

Objectives:

To facilitate and develop tourism and associated industries and services within the Society’s boundaries, including but not limited to.

  • Compliment the retail and commercial business associations activities by applying dedicated resources to the surrounding tourism sector.
  • Facilitate members to form clusters to jointly promote their activities.
  • Market the region area as a preferred destination for local, national and international tourists.
  • Provide tourism information.
  • Provide education on tourism services and activities.
  • Advocate on behalf of its members.
  • Include the Pohutukawa coast, Howick coastline, Marine Life, future cycle trails, the Historic Village, Half moon Bay Marina, and other areas of historic significance to both Iwi and Pioneers alike.
  • Create a sustainable scalable structure that can deliver results over the longer term.

Areas We Cover:

  • The primary area of interest and activity of the Society shall be the East Auckland region including Howick Ward of Auckland Council and adjacent areas of Franklin Ward traditionally incorporated in the region
  • The boundaries are considered ‘soft’ and the Society may accept members from outside this area if deemed appropriate.
  • The Society may operate and conduct activities, whether inside the Region of Interest or elsewhere, to promote the purposes and interests of the Region of Interest.

The Area we cover:

Our Board

Andrew Laing

Chairperson

Auckland born and lived in Howick since 1992 I am passionate about our region and spend many hours in our amazing outdoor spaces. I have a sense of community and am a member of various local organizations.
 
With the arrival of Covid19 I saw some new opportunities and am owner operator of Howick Deliveries which makes shopping easy in East Auckland in this click and collect world. I am also involved with a vegan cheese business whose award winning products are available at local health food stores and some supermarkets.
 
I have a travel and tourism background and worked in Howick for many years. I am owner of Travel by Nature which offers tailor made tours specialising in outdoor experiences. I work closely with a local boat charter business that aims to develop into a significant local tourism player on our amazing Hauraki Gulf.
I am excited about the unique opportunities East Auckland presents and look forward to overseas visitors returning to our shores, and to welcoming them to some of Auckland’s best kept secrets.

Senthil Natarajan

Board Member

I have been a very happy resident of East Auckland for 18 years.
East Auckland is an amazing place to live and explore, and I look forward to visitors enjoying our region again and again. Great to bring people our way to enjoy this stunning region.
 
Pre-Covid I owned and operated Happy NZ Tours since 2007.  Unfortunately with the pandemic I had to reinvent myself, and move back into  the computer programming sector. 
 
I love meeting people and exploring places. My enthusiasm for tourism blends corporate professionalism, local knowledge and personal touch to create lasting memories for visitors and guests. It’s always a pleasure to serve people and communities.  I am pleased that Happy NZ Tours is once again able to restart and am happy to offer my services and support to East Auckland Tourism.

Sarah Blong

Board Member

A Whitford resident for 10 years, having grown up in Pakuranga, Gisborne and Bucklands Beach, I am passionate about our East Auckland Region and its potential. My first job was as a travel agent and then I joined the Hyatt in reservations, so hospitality is in my blood. I followed a teaching career for many years, and have enjoyed living in this wonderful area, and being involved with the local community.
Our family business, Paradice Entertainment, provides local entertainment at Botany with our ice rink and other activities, and has been in existence since the early 70s. Our family is heavily invested in the region and in tourism.

I see East Auckland as a destination of choice in its own right, with the opportunity for businesses, both hospitality and others, to thrive. With the size and quality of East Auckland events becoming bigger and better, there is good reason for visitors to enjoy our region right through the year.

I look forward to our unique and beautiful region being discovered and enjoyed, and our local economy thriving as a result.

Judith ClarkE

Board Member

Swapping London for the Pohutukawa Coast 11 years ago, I never imagined I’d find myself living in such a stunning place where a quick stroll takes me to the sea for a swim. When choosing where to settle in Auckland, easy access to the city by public transport was essential. I’ve seen the Pine Harbour ferry services increase from 12 to 24 sailings a day, now with weekend services too.

 

With over 25 years in finance and HR, I’ve always valued the power of networking and connecting people – essential for boosting our local economy. A change in lifestyle has allowed me to actively contribute to East Auckland Tourism, helping to promote our fantastic area and support the community.

 

Lizz McEneaney

Board Member

Living on the gorgeous Pohutukawa Coast, where every day is like a holiday with our stunning beaches, lush golf courses, scenic walks and breathtaking sunsets – I’m lucky to call this place home. Just a 35-minute ferry ride to the big smoke, this coastal paradise is the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility. My passion lies in sharing this incredible slice of Aotearoa New Zealand with others, which is why I’m dedicated to promoting the wider East Auckland region.

 

With over three decades of experience in marketing and communications, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the tourism board. I enjoy helping craft strategies and run campaigns that highlight the unique charm of our area, drawing visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and vibrant community. It’s about showcasing what makes this region special and ensuring it’s on the map for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Maree Robinson-Olsson

Board Member

First and foremost, I’m a creative with an entrepreneurial streak and a passion for cardigans! Born and bred in East Auckland, I’ve spent my life here, owning and running businesses in the retail and wholesale sectors. Now, I’m fully immersed in tourism marketing, having recently graduated from the TIME Tourism Mentorship programme and completed a course in New Zealand Sustainability in Tourism.

 

My goal is to bring my passion and expertise to the East Auckland Tourism Board, helping to boost our local economy and showcase this fantastic region. When I’m not promoting tourism, you’ll find me at home with my adult kids, long-suffering husband and our slightly overweight orange cat, tending to the garden or indulging in a bit of painting!

Nicki Richards

Board Member

I’m proud to have grown up, studied and continue to live right here in East Auckland. As both an artist and gallery owner, I’m passionate about showcasing local talent and celebrating the creative spirit of our community. Through my gallery, I strive to bring art and culture to the forefront, contributing to the vibrant local scene and supporting the growth of East Auckland’s creativity.

 

Joining the East Auckland Tourism Board was a natural step for me, as it allows me to further support our local economy and highlight the unique creativity that defines our region. I’m excited to play a role in promoting what makes East Auckland special and helping the area thrive.

Our Operational Team

Deirdre Frankle

Admin Lead

A local resident for over two decades she is keen to learn more about the region and how our organisation can be influential in growing visitor numbers and enhancing the local economy. 

Want to talk to Deirdre? Get in touch with her on support@eastaucklandtourism.co.nz.

Sarah Kavanagh

Sales and Events Lead

Originally from London, I am lucky to have called Howick home for the last 14 years. I feel incredibly grateful to live in this slice of paradise and work hard for the local community to ensure Howick and the surrounding area thrives, through the Shop Local, Shop Howick platform which was launched during covid.

With a strong sales and digital background, I jumped at the chance to be part of this amazing team, to help support and grow the local economy and be part of something really special.

Want to talk to Sarah about becoming an East Auckland Tourism member? Get in touch with her on sales@eastaucklandtourism.co.nz or book a meeting here.

Candice Baker

Marketing Lead

I’ve lived in and loved East Auckland for over two decades. I am passionate about what East Auckland has to offer to those who live and visit our beautiful slice of Earth.

I have  Bachelor of Business and Information Management with a major in Marketing and have over 20 years of marketing experience, with a large portion being in Travel and Tourism. I have owned my own marketing agency for over 8 years and am passionate about marketing that delivers results and I love bringing that to East Auckland Tourism.

Want to talk to Candice? Get in touch with her on marketing@eastaucklandtourism.co.nz.

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