Guiding Kāpiti’s Visitor Economy
Bringing together local expertise and national connections, the Board provides clear direction to strengthen Kāpiti’s visitor offering and long-term sustainability.
Tourism is one of Kāpiti’s most visible and high-impact sectors. To guide this work, the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB) established the Tourism Advisory Board, a group of sector leaders, operators, and business experts who bring deep industry knowledge to the implementation of the Destination Management Plan (DMP).
What the Tourism Advisory Board Does
The Board’s role is to:
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Lead implementation of the Destination Management Plan – ensuring the 60+ actions identified are delivered in partnership with local operators, iwi, and the community.
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Champion the visitor economy – strengthening Kāpiti’s position as a distinctive, welcoming destination.
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Support operators and businesses – identifying opportunities to increase visitation, extend length of stay, and grow visitor spend.
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Foster collaboration across the sector – connecting tourism operators, Council, iwi, WellingtonNZ, and other partners.
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Advocate for investment and infrastructure – ensuring the district has the facilities and experiences needed to attract high-value, sustainable tourism.
At its heart, the Tourism Advisory Board is focused on creating memorable visitor experiences while strengthening Kāpiti’s economy and community wellbeing.
Why the Tourism Advisory Board Matters
Tourism contributes not just to business growth, but to community pride, cultural celebration, and local vibrancy. By bringing together leaders from across the industry, the Board ensures Kāpiti has the vision, expertise, and structure needed to compete in an evolving tourism market.
The Advisory Board provides a strong, independent voice for operators, ensuring that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making and that Kāpiti continues to grow as a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors.
Meet The Board
The Tourism Advisory Board is made up of respected professionals from across the tourism and business community, each bringing specialist knowledge in visitor experience, cultural leadership, marketing, and economic development.
George Hickton is the Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Tourism Advisory Board. With a broad career in tourism and business, he is also the chair of Hawke's Bay Tourism and Weta Workshop, and serves as a Director at Kapiti Island Nature Tours and Te Puia in Rotorua. He spent ten years as CEO of Tourism New Zealand, where he launched the '100% Pure' campaign.
Previously, he established New Zealand Employment and Income Support Services (WINZ) and held senior roles in the motor industry, including Sales and Marketing Director for Honda NZ. He is a recipient of the Sir Jack Newman Award and was inducted into the New Zealand Marketing Hall of Fame.
John Barrett is the managing director and founder of Kapiti Island Nature Tours, an award-winning eco-tourism business established in 1999 with his sister, Amo. The company has garnered accolades such as the He Toa Takitini Māori Tourism Award and the Marsh Tourism Industry Champion Award, highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation.
John has extensive leadership and governance experience including as a founding member of the Leadership Council of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA), and as a former Director of Tourism NZ. John also served as Chair of the NZ Māori Tourism Council. In addition to the KCTAB, John chairs Raukawa Whānau Ora Ltd and is a member of Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai’s Taiao Komiti.
Pat Stuart is the Chair of Ngā Manu which is a snapshot of the richness of the natural world spread over 15 hectares within Waikanae. It encompasses a valuable and rare fragment of original lowland swamp forest with the remaining area being restored habitat providing haven for native species. The reserve is a year-round visitor experience with the mission of providing a safe, accessible and welcoming place where people can connect with nature.
Pat was previously Chief Executive of Experience Wellington (Wellington Museums Trust)and before that, part of the team that developed and opened the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa).
Chris Barber is the owner of The Bond Store, a family distillery renowned for its premium products. Before establishing The Bond Store, Chris held various leadership roles including being the National Sales and Business Development Manager at Securely, where he led the business to a remarkable 1500% growth.
Chris also founded The Kāpiti Company, which played a pivotal role in promoting the natural wonders of the Kāpiti Coast along with several other companies. In addition to the KCTAB, Chris is also a board member for Business Kāpiti Horowhenua Inc. (BKH), and has been a long-service member of the Institute of Directors. He plays a proactive role in the community and is committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing the profile of the Kāpiti district. Chris holds a MBA from Massey, undertaking a thesis on business attraction.
Working Together
The Tourism Advisory Board works closely with:
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The Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, ensuring tourism priorities are aligned with wider economic strategy.
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The Economic Development Team at Kāpiti Coast District Council, who support delivery of the DMP and marketing initiatives.
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Local operators, iwi, WellingtonNZ, and regional partners, ensuring Kāpiti is well connected to the wider visitor economy.
This collaborative approach ensures that tourism in Kāpiti is industry-led, community-connected, and future-ready.
Our Vision
The Tourism Advisory Board envisions a district where:
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Visitors stay longer, spend more, and return often thanks to bookable itineraries, bundled experiences, and high-quality accommodation.
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Tourism supports cultural and environmental sustainability, highlighting Kāpiti’s unique natural and cultural assets.
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Operators feel supported and connected, with industry voices guiding decisions that impact their sector.
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Kāpiti’s story is shared with pride, positioning the district as a vibrant, year-round destination.