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Maori kapa haka headlining the launch of New Zealand Luxury Experiences at Monaco 2016.
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is an annual gathering of the most expensive superyachts in the world. More than four hundred vessels between 40m and 140m+ crowd the Quai and outer roads of this small principality on the Cote d’ Azur. The MYS attracts the rich and famous for four days of events, sales, purchases, new build contracts, agent services, promotions by charter companies and iconic destinations, cocktail parties, networking and a display of the incredible wealth enjoyed by the worlds ultra high net worth individuals.
On the day before the show opened a Monaco newspaper ran the headline “Monaco Yacht Show 2016 : World Premiere of Superyacht Partnership” and went on to describe the launch of New Zealand Luxury Experiences as the first company in the South Pacific dedicated to luxury experiences for superyacht owners and their guests. Formerly a division of Asia Pacific Superyachts NZ, the new company is a collaboration between APSY founder Jeanette Tobin (Ngai Tahu ki Wairarapa) veteran sailor and yachting entrepreneur Duthie Lidgard (Ngai Tahu) and longtime tourism professional and cultural tourism advisor John Panoho (Parawhau, Ngati Whatua Ki Kaipara, Ngapuhi nui tonu).
The company was founded after a niche was identified for private cultural experiences backed by high-level service. The principal partners have extensive knowledge of New Zealand as a charter destination, together with shared Māori heritage and strong yachting backgrounds.
Lidgard said, “We understand the expectations of superyacht owners and guests – they expect the very best, and this should include having an exclusive, private experience while cruising the beautiful waters of New Zealand. In creating New Zealand Luxury Experiences, we have combined our Founders’ outstanding experience with what we feel is a really exceptional service mentality, and with a very high standing in the Māori community, John brings our clients wonderful insight into this unique and fascinating culture.”
In addition to the brochure launch Lidgard and Panoho had three members of London based Manaia cultural group join them for four days at the show. The act of gifting pounamu to several yacht masters and other VIP guests was greatly enhanced by the whakatau, karakia, waiata and haka provided by Manaia.
John Panoho – Kaihautu
Panoho had this to say, ”Our company is founded on principles of Mana, Kaitiaki and Manaaki. These values anchor the four pillars on which we shape the stories and experiences to reflect our unique Nature, Culture, People and Place”.
Panoho says, “The very act of gifting pounamu enables mihimihi, karakia, waiata and ensures an engagement with the Yacht, the Owners, the Master and the Crew. It puts kapa haka performances at a show like this into context with New Zealand and adds a richness to the visual experience.”
“It’s an expensive exercise to bring a group to such an event. But without doubt we achieved our objectives firstly in creating an unique approach to engaging with potential clients and secondly raising the awareness of New Zealand as destination while reinforcing the notion that any visit to New Zealand must be built on a cultural platform” he said.
Each year Feadship, one of the largest shipyards in the world hold a prestigious event for invited guests. On the guest list this year, New Zealand Luxury Experiences delighted the hosts who also included Gulfstream Jets with a gift of pounamu and a surprise performance by Manaia. A great way to start our campaign at Monaco 2016.
For more information:
John Panoho
021 190 6737
