After five years as Chief Executive of Tourism Bay of Plenty, Kristin Dunne is moving on.

Tourism Bay of Plenty chairperson Laurissa Cooney says she is leaving behind "significant shoes" to fill.

'We're looking for a star tumuaki (leader) to continue Kristin and the organisation's outstanding work in delivering for the region,” says Cooney.

Under Dunne's leadership, Tourism Bay of Plenty has delivered significant outcomes for Tauranga and the Coastal Bay of Plenty, including growth of over sixty-five percent in visitor spend, worth just over $1 billion to the local economy, the organisation says in a statement released this afternoon.

A proactive advocate for iwi and hapu engagement, Dunne inspired the co-created strategic plan, Te Ha Tapoi | The Love of Tourism, that she leaves as a legacy.

'Kristin's leadership has been particularly inspiring as the region faced crises in Whakaari/White Island and Covid-19. The Board of Tourism Bay of Plenty wish to thank Kristin for her unstinting effort to create a visitor economy that regenerates our people and place,” says Cooney.

"We appreciate Kristin has not made this decision lightly. While we are sorry to see her leave us, we respect her decision and thank her for all she has helped achieve for the destination," says Cooney.

Current Tourism Bay of Plenty trustee Oscar Nathan will step down from the board to fulfil the acting leadership role until July 1, while searching for a permanent chief executive.

Nathan notes the organisation is in great shape to keep delivering its strategic plan.

"The team at Tourism Bay of Plenty are a talented bunch of people, fiercely dedicated to what they do, and extremely passionate about the region,” says Nathan.

Launch of Te Whanau Tapoi Maori o Tauranga Moana: Oscar Nathan, left, Hon Peeni Henare, Shadrack Rolleston, Kristin Dunne, Simon Phillips, Laurissa Cooney, Stacey Linton, Loretta Crawford, and Josh Te Kani.

Nathan offers Saturday's launch of ‘Te Whanau Tapoi o Tauranga Moana' by Associate Tourism Minister Peeni Henare as an example of this.

'This is an Aotearoa | New Zealand-first collective of Maori tourism experiences that are now on offer in Tauranga Moana. This collaborative work is an absolute credit to Kristin and her team, and the commitment and passion they have for the region," says Nathan.

But it is not goodbye just yet. Dunne will see out a three-month notice period in a part-time capacity, helping to conclude several projects while the executive search is undertaken.

"On behalf of the Tourism Bay of Plenty Board and staff, I would like to express our gratitude to Kristin, and we wish her and her whanau all the best for the future," says Cooney