PCOA25 Master of Ceremonies
The Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) is delighted to announce that award-winning journalist and broadcaster Rachel Parkin will be the Master of Ceremonies for PCOA25, being held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from 7 – 9 December.
A familiar face on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp, Rachel has built a career on her passion for people and storytelling. With more than two decades of experience across Aotearoa New Zealand. First in newspapers and then on television, she has covered everything from live earthquake reports and breaking news to heart-warming community stories.
Rachel brings with her a unique mix of professionalism, warmth, and quick wit. She has “seen it all” in her career, whether reporting on rampaging gunmen (where she happened to meet her husband), sharing the tale of Lucky the sheep who thinks he’s a dog, or fronting major national events live on air.
Outside of the newsroom, Rachel is a proud mum of two lively daughters, a keen trail runner in Christchurch’s Port Hills, and a passionate advocate for her home city.
As a born-and-bred Cantabrian, Rachel is especially excited about Christchurch hosting the annual PCOA conference for the very first time.
PCOA25 promises to bring together conference and event professionals from across Australasia for an inspiring program of keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and industry insights. With Rachel Parkin at the helm as MC, delegates can look forward to an event that’s engaging, memorable, and full of energy.
The Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) is delighted to announce that award-winning journalist and broadcaster Rachel Parkin will be the Master of Ceremonies for PCOA25, being held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from 7 – 9 December.
A familiar face on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp, Rachel has built a career on her passion for people and storytelling. With more than two decades of experience across Aotearoa New Zealand. First in newspapers and then on television, she has covered everything from live earthquake reports and breaking news to heart-warming community stories.
Rachel brings with her a unique mix of professionalism, warmth, and quick wit. She has “seen it all” in her career, whether reporting on rampaging gunmen (where she happened to meet her husband), sharing the tale of Lucky the sheep who thinks he’s a dog, or fronting major national events live on air.
Outside of the newsroom, Rachel is a proud mum of two lively daughters, a keen trail runner in Christchurch’s Port Hills, and a passionate advocate for her home city.
As a born-and-bred Cantabrian, Rachel is especially excited about Christchurch hosting the annual PCOA conference for the very first time.
PCOA25 promises to bring together conference and event professionals from across Australasia for an inspiring program of keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and industry insights. With Rachel Parkin at the helm as MC, delegates can look forward to an event that’s engaging, memorable, and full of energy.
Contact Us
Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. IA 35380 | ARBN 136 627 088 | ABN: 3069 0730722
Phone
Maxine Tod: +61 435 103 912
Cindy Axisa: +61 435 374 476
Socials
Karakia
A karakia is a short Māori prayer or blessing used to open or close an event, helping to set the tone and bring people together. It acknowledges the space, the people, and the purpose of the gathering. This karakia has been selected by Liz Kereru (Ngāi Tūāhuriri) to align to the 2025 PCOA conference theme of connection and community.
Tuia ki runga, Tuia ki raro, Tuia ki waho, Tuia ki roto,
Tuia ki te here tangata,
Ka rongo te po, Ka rongo te ao, Haumi….e, Hui…e - Taiki….e
Unite from above, Unite from below, Unite from without, Unite from within,
Unite to connect people,
The night hears, The day hears, Join all, bind all, together as one
Meet the Artist
Wongi Wilson is a street artist with a reputation for high-quality, large-scale works in prominent positions around Christchurch.
Find out more about Wongi Wilson
Acknowledgement of Country
The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.