TRENZ attendees treated to a taste of the Coast

The closing function was transformed into a bustling West Coast Beer Garden, with iconic food and beverage from Reefton Distilling Co, West Coast Pie Company, Monteith’s Brewery, and the Hokitika Sandwich Company.

TRENZ, New Zealand's premier international business-to-business travel and trade event, was held in-person for the first time since 2019. The closing night pulsed with an authentic West Coast vibe as attendees revelled in the unique tastes of the region at the West Coast Beer Garden, hosted by Development West Coast (DWC).

With the total retail value of the West Coast food and beverage offerings surpassing $50,000, the attendees were treated to a remarkable gastronomic experience.

Patrick Dault, Destination and Tourism Manager at DWC, said “the event was fantastic - every single visitor walked through the West Coast Beer Garden engaging with our businesses.”

He emphasised that the West Coast’s presence at TRENZ substantially contributed to positioning the region as a must-visit destination on any NZ itinerary. “The strategy to enhance our magnificent landscape by connecting visitors with our colourful and creative locals and quirky personalities seems to be paying off.”

For Monteith’s Brewery, this marked their 10th TRENZ event. Nick Rogers highlighted the importance of the relationships nurtured over the years at the event. “These relationships are invaluable for the ongoing commercial success of the Monteith’s visitor experience at the Brewery and the wider economy of the West coast – we all benefit from tourism with the region – from Karamea to Haast.”

Rogers added that when people like Rene De Monchy (Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand) comment on how well the West Coast positions itself at TRENZ, “that a big tick for the our region and our tourism offer!”

Patsy Bass, from Reefton Distilling Co., said we “We’ve appreciated DWC’s support to make this happen.”

She highlighted the uniqueness of the West Coast, and the pride Coasters have in their region. “The sense of community is something I haven’t seen in the cities.”

“It’s great to work alongside other West Coast businesses, as the more of them doing this well, the better. It all helps to grow greater awareness and they’re fantastic peers who we’re proud to stand alongside,” Bass said.

In addition to the businesses featured at the Beer Garden, Dault stated that twelve other tourism businesses attended TRENZ, collectively meeting over 670 international buyers, promoting their businesses and the West Coast as a visitor destination.

Gina Ashworth, from Explore West Coast and Hotel Lake Brunner, attended TRENZ saying it was fantastic to be back. "It was a great night and TRENZ was a great event."