Tourism plan for region

ECOTOURISM: A proposed tourism plan for Rodneys north-east could include sites such as Goat Island Marine Reserve under an ecotourism banner.Relevant offers
 A TOURISM plan is proposed for Rodney's north-east coast. Preparatory research starts shortly.

The area has become well known, particularly as a wine and food destination with more than 20 vineyards in the area along with cafes and markets. Natural drawcards including Tawharanui Regional Park, the Goat Island Marine Reserve and numerous beaches. Promotion of the northern area generally has been something of an ad hoc affair by business associations and others with the Matakana Coast Wine Country group – comprising local businesses based mainly in the Matakana and Warkworth area – being the largest.

"This region is now a major tourist destination but it is still small in terms of businesses," Matakana Coast and Warkworth Business Association committee member Martin Dancy says. "We need a co-ordinated strategy to ensure that tourism in the area is sustainable.

"A major issue is for businesses is work in winter. We need to attract more people to the area to visit – not just for tourism. They may decide to live and establish businesses here. Another consideration is the the need to co-ordinate submissions to the supercity. With only one representative on the Auckland council, a wide group of businesses would give us more clout – a stronger voice," says Mr Dancy.

Now a steering committee has been formed to participate in a research project for developing sustainable tourism in the coastal area.

The research would lead to a comprehensive five-year strategy plan for the area from Puhoi in the south to Pakiri in the north, and would be undertaken by the New Zealand Tourism Institute, based at the Auckland University of Technology – AUT.

Institute associate director Dr John Hull says ecotourism is one area considered in the study as more people become aware of their environmental footprint.

"Ecotourism is responsible travel that is based on nature, and it contributes to conservation as well as the local culture and local economy," he says. "Ecotourism is therefore promoting an ethical tourism product and a responsible travel experience."

The Rodney District Council is a project partner and has agreed to contribute $25,000 toward research. Dr Hull says AUT will also be contributing $16,000 toward the project.

A further $20,000 will be contributed by groups on the steering committee, comprising members from various groups including Warkworth and Leigh business associations, Warkworth Information Centre, Matakana Coast Wine Country, Matakana Village and Market, Matakana Wine Growers and the Puhoi business and residents group.

Ad Feedback Dr Hull often works in North America and Europe on research projects.

He is involved in projects in Norway where he is part of a research team from countries in the North Atlantic – Canada, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway – examining trends in nature-based tourism.

In New Zealand he is working on a proposed seafood trail for the Marlborough-Nelson region with the Marine Farming Association.

The New Zealand Tourism Institute has a team of worldwide tourism experts including marine, culture and events, and they have a series of post-graduate students looking for projects for their masters, says Mr Dancy.

"This gives us young, objective, active minds looking at it from an outside perspective, which is just as important as older, experienced ones," he says.

The institute already has a masters student doing research on Goat Island, says Dr Hull.

Opportunities exist for other students to assist the Matakana Coast region with research projects as part of the five-year tourism plan once priorities are set.

From April to June the natural, cultural, and tourism resources of the area will be identified, and in July further workshops will be held.

Data from the project will be available to all of the project partners, council marketing and major events adviser Charlotte Cuff says.