Aotearoa Delegation takes on World Expo 2025, Osaka
In April 2025, Aotearoa was represented on the global stage at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, through the powerful presence of Te Aratini — a celebration of indigenous performance, culture, and storytelling from around the world.
Just three months before the Expo, Aupiki was brought in to support the leaders of Te Aratini and take charge of the full travel coordination for the Aotearoa delegation.
The challenge was clear: organise seamless travel for the group while ensuring performers, organisers, and cultural representatives could focus on delivering an incredible experience on the world stage.
The Challenge
With the Expo drawing global attention, travel demand into Osaka was extremely high. Flights were limited, accommodation was filling rapidly, and the delegation required a coordinated travel plan that would ensure everyone arrived smoothly and on schedule.
The delegation consisted of 58 travellers, including performers, organisers, and cultural representatives. Each traveller had different schedules, arrival times, and logistical needs.
Ensuring that every person could move easily through Japan — from airport arrival to accommodation and onward travel — required careful planning and coordination.
Our approach
Aupiki worked closely with the leadership of Te Aratini to design and deliver a travel package tailored specifically for the delegation.
Our approach included:
- Coordinating international flights for the full delegation
- Securing centrally located accommodation in Osaka
- Organising airport transfers to simplify arrivals and departures
- Providing SUICA transport cards to allow easy travel on Japan’s rail and metro networks
- Supporting travellers with clear travel documentation and itineraries
By centralising the travel arrangements through Aupiki, the organisers were able to focus on preparing for their performances and cultural programme, knowing the logistics were handled.
The outcome
The Aotearoa delegation arrived in Osaka smoothly and ready to represent their culture on the global stage.
With travel logistics handled by Aupiki, organisers and performers could focus fully on delivering an unforgettable cultural presence at World Expo 2025.
From departure in Aotearoa through to arrival and movement within Japan, the delegation experienced a travel journey that was coordinated, clear, and aligned with the kaupapa of the event.