On 15 September, we organised the Ethnic Business Roundtable in Christchurch on tourism, hospitality and film sectors.
Representatives from ethnic businesses, academics and industry professionals came together at the Christchurch BNZ Centre for a powerful kōrero (conversation) about the role of New Zealand ethnic businesses.
The roundtable featured a strong lineup of speakers who shared insights on how ethnic businesses are shaping and helping to transform tourism, hospitality, and film sectors in New Zealand. The event started with some industry experts giving a landscape view.
- Chris Chen (Associate Professor, University of Canterbury) spoke about how cultural connections can attract international visitors.
- Jess Granada (Chair, Ethnic Advisory Panel at Hospitality NZ) discussed how diversity is a strength in hospitality.
- Petrina D’Rozario (Film Sector Professional) highlighted the role of the film industry in promoting New Zealand through storytelling.
A panel discussion followed, focusing on innovation and collaboration. It featured Lincoln Tan (Journalist and Diversity Advocate), Kath Low (Head of Visitor Economy, ChristchurchNZ), Jess Granada, and Petrina D’Rozario.
The evening concluded with a series of roundtable discussions, during which every voice was heard. Attendees shared bold ideas on innovation and working across sectors. Each table presented strong insights that helped move the conversation forward.
View all the images from the engagement in our photo album.
Some key insights shared were:
- Ethnic Communities can play a key role in attracting international visitors through culturally connected promotion and storytelling.
- Authentic ethnic food made with local ingredients is in growing demand, while fusion cuisine is seeing a decline.
- Screen tourism is an untapped opportunity. Film and screen content can help promote New Zealand to international visitors, especially in places like India. Telling emotional stories through film leaves a strong impression and can help grow tourism and hospitality.
- Ethnic businesses need more visibility, leadership support, and platforms to collaborate, integrate the next generation and thrive across sectors.
- Ethnic Communities are not just contributors; they are strategic partners in shaping visitor experience. Their cultural networks, storytelling, and hospitality practices offer unique value in attracting and hosting international visitors.
- Local agencies, community groups and tourism organisations are working together to design visitor experiences that include ethnic perspectives. This shows a move toward more inclusive and diverse approaches to growing the economy.
Thank you to BNZ for sponsoring this important event and to all attendees for their invaluable contributions.
This is the third business roundtable we organised this year. It extended on the discussions that were held at our inaugural Ethnic Xchange business symposium in October 2024 and provided insights and learnings to inform Ethnic Xchange 2025: Going for Growth - Expanding Ethnic Enterprises (EX25).
Ethnic Xchange 2025 will provide a platform for these conversations to continue. With a focus on global trade and connections, innovation, AI and investment. EX25 aims to support the progression of ethnic entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses. Join us at Ethnic Xchange to discover more insights and outcomes from this roundtable.
Tickets to EX25, held in Auckland on 14 November, are available now.