TONGARIRO Crossing. FILE PHOTO
VISIT Ruapehu’s new management plan – Tahia Ko Puanga – will prioritise the natural environment and local communities to support the growth of tourism’s contribution to the region’s GDP.
About 150 people, including tourist operators and local iwi, attended the launch of the plan at the Raetihi Marae last Monday.
“The launch of the Ruapehu Destination Management Plan is a significant milestone that provides a bold, new approach for regional destination management in Aotearoa-NZ,” Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said.
“The team has done an amazing job in working closely with our local iwi and the tourism and visitor sectors to chart a clear and sustainable course for tourism’s future in Ruapehu.”
Weston said the plan was designed to benefit visitors and the local community. It would also play a significant role in helping deliver a prosperous and vibrant future for the district.
Since 2021, Visit Ruapehu had worked alongside the cultural strategy and project management company Waihuia Ventures to create a destination management plan designed to protect and enhance the environment plus connect people living in the region.
Erena Mikaera, the founder and CEO of Waihuia Ventures, said developing regenerative tourism demanded a system that left communities and the environment better than it found them.
“That is exactly what this plan requires us to do. It also provides the framework for how that can happen,” Erena said.
“Visit Ruapehu will coordinate these efforts and provide intelligent and passionate support to this, but others across our communities need to stay involved for more to be inspired to join this new movement.”
Visit Ruapehu general manager Jo Kennedy was thrilled to see so many members of the community attend to embrace the plan.
“Now is the time for Ruapehu to work truly collaboratively and make these amazing projects being led by communities, iwi, councils and more, come to life in a celebration of our wonderful natural environment,” Jo said.
The plan points to the region’s unique attributes, in the heart of the North Island with Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks providing a backdrop and access to the Whanganui River. It noted that there had been a strong increase in older age groups visiting.
“Ongoing targeted marketing efforts have successfully expanded the appeal of Ruapehu to a broader audience, increasing their awareness of low and shoulder season activities in the area,” Jo said.
According to data, the region could increase yield over volume by targeting visitors interested in the people of the area, as well as the great outdoors.
Under the heading, “Our Community Want,” the comments called for iwi trained environmental guides, local training organisations for higher qualifications, more youth projects, the need for respectful visitors and more things for locals to do.
Consultation for the plan also showed respondents had called for improved cycleways, accommodation options and regional events. Copies of the Ruapehu Destination Management Plan are available from Visit Ruapehu.
