Hauraki Coromandel Tourism Sector Update

A big vote of thanks to those who turned out to the Destination Hauraki Coromandel  (DHC) Tourism Update in Whitianga last week. Some highlights from our guest speakers are summarised below. DHC also introduced good for your soul kaitiaki , where people can connect, give back and care for our place. To thank each of the speakers, DHC will donate trees in their name.

Donna Brooke – Sunlover

Tourism professional and Tairua local Donna Brooke of Sunlover, set the tone for a productive update. Donna is highly regarded in the tourism industry and renowned for sharing her hospitality expertise. We would like to acknowledge Donna’s services in MC’ing this update - 2 trees gifted to Tairua River Trail.

Department of Conservation (DOC) - Tania Short (Principal Advisor - Strategic Projects) and Michael Sparrow (Project Manager)

Tania and Michael delivered a work programme overview of Mautohe Cathedral Cove and identified a range of visitor management issues that are consistent with global tourism challenges, such as vandalism by graffiti carved into the cove archway - one of the more evident examples also happening at iconic sites offshore. 

A key message was the commitment to have the track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove open in December.  This will be helped if we encourage visitors to stay off the track and away from re-build and maintenance work that is underway. Reducing interruptions will improve worksite (and visitor) safety, plus aid the pace of work.

DOC will be sharing digital and printed resources for industry use. For this summer, Grange Road carpark will have shuttle access only (no bus drop-offs or car parking). Visitors must either walk to Grange Road carpark or take a shuttle from the Hahei Village carpark, or park at Lees Road.

Acknowledgement: 4 trees gifted to the Torehina Planting Project  

Regional Tourism New Zealand, Director of Destination Management - Kiri Goulter

Kiri’s influence and leadership in the New Zealand tourism industry is widely recognised. Articulating the evolution of this leading export sector, Kiri brought global travel impacts home to where it matters most, our communities.

Destinations that focus solely on ‘demand’ activity (marketing) are often unprepared to ‘supply’ (management) as per the needs of the visitor and local environment. 

A local holiday home owner, Kiri provided an update on Destination Management across New Zealand while highlighting community work achieved in Hauraki Coromandel. 

Acknowledgement: 2 trees gifted to the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Project

Industry Panel

A popular inclusion from the day was hearing from owners of successful local businesses. With success comes the ongoing challenges of delivering quality experiences, consistently. A few highlights included:

-          Plan time to look after yourself so you can give your best to your guests

-          Marketing tip 101 – a picture paints a thousand words

-          Caring for the environment is simply part of business

-          Understand the value of your experience and deliver quality over quantity

Linda Bird, Dive Zone Whitianga

Acknowledgement: 2 trees gifted to the Backdrop Trust

Emma Walters, The Falls Retreat

Acknowledgement: 2 trees gifted to the Paeroa Maritime Park Project

Cath Ward, Pahi Coastal Walkway

Acknowledgement: 2 trees gifted to the Pahi Coastal Walkway

Matt Woods, Destination Queenstown CEO

Matt provided a video recording that summarised the Queenstown Lakes keystone Destination Management project. The ambitious carbon free 2030 goal has been picked up around the world with 50 other ski destinations hoping to follow suit. The global attention gained demonstrates the ‘shop window’ effect tourism destinations have for places to invest, work and live.

Acknowledgement: 2 trees gifted to Ride Coromandel

Destination Hauraki Coromandel Trust Chair, John Sandford

John spoke to the importance of tourism businesses valuing their experiences.

He also reminded attendees to consider applications for DHC Trust board positions. Please share this with potential candidates and note applications close on the 31st of October.

What's Next

DHC provided an insight into our latest work that will deliver meaningful benefits while promoting the region and brand. Driven by tourism this initiative will be delivered on thecoromandel.com and the Travel App. While work is still underway this hasn’t stopped businesses and locals getting on board already.

If you can’t wait – touch base, otherwise more to come soon!

Business Award Recipients 

Our sincere congratulations to all the businesses that participated in this year's Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards. It was especially gratifying to see several tourism and hospitality businesses among the finalists - an outstanding achievement indeed.

A special mention goes to The Waterworks for winning the Supreme Award, along with congratulations to the following tourism and hospitality businesses for their impressive sector and category achievements.