Seeking community views on the future of tourism

Destination Great Lake Taupō has kicked off what general manager Jane Wilson describes as “possibly the most important piece of work for our tourism industry in the next ten years”.

A Destination Management Plan is being developed, together with iwi and the wider community, that will plan for the future of tourism in the region. One of the key goals of the plan is to ensure tourism exists in a way that benefits our communities and the environment. To understand how communities want tourism to shape their future, engagement workshops are being held throughout August.

Jane says the workshops will be a chance to gain an authentic understanding of what tourism means to the community, what makes the destination tick and where the community wants it to go in the future.

"These workshops will build on extensive research and conversations with destination stakeholders and partners, including Ngāti Tuwharetoa”.

The plan also aims to weave cultural perspectives together, creating a shared commitment and statement of intent for the future development, protection, and regeneration of the region as a tourism destination. Long term, the plan aims to create positive social, cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes for the benefit of future generations.

Wiari Rauhina, a member of the Destination Management Plan’s Leadership Advisory Group, says that the workshops also provide an opportunity for hapū and whānau members a place to shape the future of tourism in our rohe in concert with the needs of our taiaō.

Anyone wishing to attend a workshop can come along to one of the following sessions:

• Monday 15 August, 5.30pm, Tūrangi Senior Citizens Hall
• Tuesday 16 August, 5.30pm, Suncourt Hotel, Taupō
• Wednesday 17 August, 9.30am, Waipāhīhī Marae, Taupō (Ngāti Tūwharetoa workshop)
• Thursday 18 August, 4.30pm, Pouakani Marae, Mangakino

As it is helpful to know how many will attend, please RSVP to rowan@roamconsulting.co.nz

Find out more about the Destination Management Plan at www.lovetaupo.com/dmp