Arinex is deepening its cultural presence and volume of events in Aotearoa, New Zealand, following the acquisition of Auaha and a recent increase in incentive programs.
The trans-Tasman event management company acquired Auaha in May 2024 – which added five event management specialists to lead its national Aotearoa team – and has delivered two hybrid conferences in Wellington as well as two major inbound incentive groups across the country in the last month.
The Auaha addition means stronger cultural awareness and values across the organisation.
Sandra Julian, Founder of Auaha and now Senior Business Development Manager at Arinex said: “Our Aotearoa team are passionate about building an inclusive culture and weaving Tikanga Māori principles within our events to leverage success for our clients and their communities.
“We partner with Māori and Iwi organisations, government and business to develop event solutions that help to transform outcomes for our communities of Aotearoa.”
Arinex CEO Nicole Walker added: “We have been laying the foundation within the company over the last few years to ensure we deliver impactful and sustainable event solutions for our clients on both sides of the Tasman. Diversity fuels innovation.”
Each Aotearoa team member brings unique skills and perspectives to Arinex, unified by the organisation’s commitment to contribute to a better future for its staff, clients, suppliers and partners. “If it’s good for our people, then it’s great for the business events industry,” Ms Walker said.
The Arinex team in Aotearoa collaborate directly with Māori and Pasifika businesses across the entire supply chain for events, to ensure events provide opportunities for the advancement of these cultural economies.
“We aim to put people at the centre of everything which informs our approach to our mahi (work),” Ms Julian said. “We weave together indigenous Māori and global approaches in a way that is meaningful, respectful and focused on outcomes that enable everyone to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It takes vision, resilience, hard work and leadership, and we’re here right beside our clients every step of the way.”
Hear Arinex CEO Nicole Walker and Auaha Founder and now Arinex Senior Business Development Manager Sandra Julian discuss the Auaha acquisition, cultural insights and balancing business and motherhood: