Kris is the Manager of Porters Boutique Hotel, in Havelock North, and Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association (HBTIA). Over the years, she has become known not only for her leadership within the region’s tourism sector, but for the genuine collaborative spirit she brings to it, building meaningful partnerships across the industry, from wine producers like Smith & Sheth to conservation initiatives such as Cape Sanctuary. It’s this instinct to connect people, places, and ideas that makes her one of Hawke’s Bay’s most respected tourism voices.
We sat down with Kris to learn more about her vision for the region, the challenges she’s navigating, and what continues to draw her to Hawke’s Bay.
What is your vision for wine tourism?
For Kris, wine tourism is far more than what happens at the cellar door. “My vision for wine tourism is for it to continue acting as a cornerstone of regional economic growth,” she explains. “Hawke’s Bay is home to world-class wineries that offer premium visitor experiences, and those experiences extend well beyond the cellar door. Visitors stay in our accommodation, dine in our restaurants, shop in our local stores, and often spend extra time exploring the many activities our region has to offer.”
It’s this ripple effect, the way wine tourism flows outward to benefit the broader community, that Kris sees as central to the region’s continued success. “By continuing to invest in exceptional visitor experiences and working collaboratively across the region, we can ensure Hawke’s Bay remains a destination people want to visit, stay longer in, and return to time and again.”
What challenges are you solving?
Like much of the global tourism industry, Hawke’s Bay has weathered its share of disruption in recent years. “Over the past few years, many of the challenges have been driven by external factors that have affected business and visitor flows,” Kris reflects. “From a global pandemic and natural disasters to rising fuel costs and cost-of-living pressures, each has had a direct impact on how and when people choose to travel.”
Seasonality remains a persistent challenge too. “Creating sustainable year-round business that supports both our team and business owners requires careful planning and adaptability.” For Kris, these experiences have reinforced a particular leadership philosophy: “the importance of remaining flexible and agile, focusing on what I can control, and navigating change with resilience. While we can’t prevent every storm, we can choose how we respond to it.”
Do you have a particular passion project?
Ask Kris what drives her, and the answer is simple: curiosity. “I’m a tourism person at heart, and what excites me most is discovering something new. Whether it’s finding a hidden walking track, enjoying coffee at a new café, or exploring a cycle trail I haven’t ridden before, I love experiencing the places that make our region and country unique.”
That spirit of discovery has become something of a personal mission. “My passion is encouraging curiosity, both in myself and others. There is always something new to discover, and I believe those authentic experiences are what create lasting memories and inspire people to connect more deeply with a destination.”
Your personal story – what keeps you connected to Hawke’s Bay?
Kris’s relationship with Hawke’s Bay began, fittingly, as a visitor. “I first arrived in Hawke’s Bay as a visitor and quickly discovered a region that truly resonated with me. Where there is exceptional wine, there is also incredible food, beautiful landscapes, rich history, and inspiring architecture. The easy access to the ranges, the coastline, and everything in between creates a remarkable playground to explore and enjoy.”
But it’s the people, she says, who have made the region home. “Those who live in Hawke’s Bay have a genuine passion for the region, and that sense of pride is infectious.” Interestingly, Kris’s connection to the region runs deeper than she first realised. “Although I wasn’t raised here, my family’s roots in Hawke’s Bay stretch back to the late 1860s at Blackhead, Central Hawke’s Bay. Looking back, it’s perhaps no surprise that I found my place in the world here.”
From hotel management to industry leadership, from new partnerships to a 160-year family history in the region, Kris Larner’s story is a reminder that the people behind a Great Wine Capital are as compelling as the wine itself.