Stephen Hamilton

Director, Auckland, New Zealand

Stephen is the founding partner of Horwath HTL in New Zealand (formerly Horwath Asia Pacific Limited), established in 2002. 40 years of consulting experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, has given Stephen a deep understanding of the local market. Stephen has also undertaken engagements in Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands.


Bio

Stephen works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including lenders, investors, funding sponsors, and developers, across both public and private sectors. His expertise lies in identifying the financial and market analysis or research most beneficial for advancing projects and supporting informed decision-making. His ability to quickly and accurately assess complex scenarios makes him a trusted advisor for clients navigating the dynamic tourism and leisure landscape.

His service offerings encompass a broad range of consulting disciplines, including market demand analysis, financial feasibility studies, market research, economic impact assessments, and strategy development. These services are designed to provide clients with actionable data and strategies to optimise their operations and investment outcomes.

Stephen’s deep understanding of New Zealand’s tourism sector, combined with his regional experience and strategic perspective, ensures a balanced and pragmatic approach to every engagement, providing clients with valuable insights and solutions tailored to their unique challenges. His dedication to delivering quality information and solutions has cemented his reputation as a leading figure in tourism consulting throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.

Education:

-Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury

-Certificate of Company Direction from the Institute of Directors New Zealand.

Professional Memberships:

-Associate of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)

-Institute of Directors New Zealand (MInstD)

-New Zealand Institute of Management and Leadership (MNZIM)

-Tourism Industry Aotearoa

-Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).

Expert insights

Cutting edge analysis.

Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus October 2025

Performance of New Zealand’s major hotels strengthened again in October, with broad-based demand growth across segments.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus September 2025

The New Zealand hotel market recorded another positive month, with nationwide growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 10.7% year on year.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus August 2025

Positive news for hotel owners and operators: In August, RevPAR showed a welcome increase, along with the first year-on-year monthly rise in occupancy for 2025.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus July 2025

While some hotel markets celebrated their best July in years, others faced a significant drop in demand. Find out which factors separated the leaders from the laggards in our latest hotel performance review.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus June 2025

Uncover the current landscape of New Zealand’s hotel sector with our latest report, covering the month of June and the first six months of 2025. From international visitor arrival and occupancy trends to RevPAR changes, find out which regions are thriving and which are struggling in today’s market.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus May 2025

Discover how Queenstown, Rotorua, and the luxury hotel segment are defying national trends and delivering standout results in an otherwise challenging May for New Zealand’s hotel sector.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand