This year marks the second presentation of the Di Snee Spirit of Hawke’s Bay Award, created in memory of Diane Snee, a cherished member of Hawke’s Bay Tourism and former Board member of the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association. After Di lost her brave battle with cancer in July 2022, the HBTIA sought a meaningful way to honour her remarkable life and the lasting impact she made on our tourism community. This award celebrates individuals who embody Di’s spirit: warm, passionate, driven, and deeply committed to making Hawke’s Bay a better place.

The Di Snee Spirit of Hawke’s Bay Award is presented annually in remembrance of Diane Snee, a cherished member of Hawke’s Bay Tourism and a former Board member of Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association.  Di was not only a fierce advocate for the tourism industry and the Hawke’s Bay region, but also a brilliant businesswoman, whose passion and energy were infectious. Her presence brightened every room she entered, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. This award honors a member who embodies Di's spirit—someone who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the tourism industry, exhibits business acumen, and radiates positivity and warmth, inspiring those around them.

This award is a tribute to Di's legacy, celebrating those who continue to shine in the way she did, making Hawke’s Bay a better place for all.

Criteria

The recipient of The Di Snee Spirit of Tourism Award should embody the qualities and values that Di Snee championed throughout her life. The selection criteria includes:

Advocacy for Tourism:

The nominee must have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting and supporting the tourism industry in Hawke’s Bay, actively contributing to its growth and success.

Business Acumen:

The recipient should exemplify astute business practices, showing innovation, leadership, and strategic thinking in their professional endeavors within the tourism sector.

Community Engagement:

The individual should be deeply connected to the Hawke’s Bay community, actively participating in and supporting local initiatives, and enhancing the region's reputation as a top destination.

Inspiring Personality:

Like Di, the recipient should possess a positive and charismatic personality that lights up any room. They should be known for their ability to inspire, uplift, and bring people together

Legacy of Impact:

The recipient should have made a lasting impact on the tourism industry and the community, leaving a legacy that reflects Di's spirit of dedication, excellence, and heart.

The selection process should involve nominations from peers within the industry, with a committee reviewing the nominees against these criteria to select the individual who most closely embodies the spirit of Di Snee.

The inaugural award was presented in 2024 and was chosen by Di’s peers on the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association (HBTIA) Board. The recipient was Megan Harris, a deeply respected figure in the local tourism industry. Megan was recognised for her outstanding leadership, commitment to excellence, and her tireless work championing the region as a visitor destination — qualities that so closely reflect Di’s own values and spirit.

From 2024 onwards, the award recipient will be selected through a formal nomination process, with final decisions made by a dedicated working group made up of HBTIA members. This ensures the award continues to represent the voice of the industry and to spotlight individuals who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in tourism across Hawke’s Bay.

🔗 Submit a Nomination: Di Snee Spirit of Hawke’s Bay Award – 2025 Nomination Form

Nominations close on Sunday 31st August at 5.00pm, and the recipient will be announced at this year’s AGM.