Taupō District Council says the release of its Taupō Regional Destination Management Plan, represents a new dawn in tourism planning for the region.
The plan outlines a common vision and framework for a more holistic and regenerative approach to tourism in the region, including a range of specific actions to be taken.
Mayor, David Trewavas says tourism is a major contributor to the Taupō District economy and environment.
“Tourism helps make our district be the thriving place we all know and love. In saying that, it is also crucial that we look after this place we call home so that it can be enjoyed by all far into the future, in collaboration with our local stakeholders and iwi,” he said.
“This plan will help guide those involved in the Taupō District’s tourism industry and ensure we are all on the same page.”
Ngā Pou e Toru, the foundation statement of Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, has been embedded as the fundamental foundations for the plan, to grow the region in a way that reflects Ngāti Tūwharetoa tikanga and creates a ‘Destination of Excellence’ for residents, visitors, the environment, and the economy.
Destination Great Lake Taupō facilitated plan development and general manager, Jane Wilson says the process included extensive engagement with local Iwi, tourism stakeholders, residents, rangatahi, local and central government, and our neighbouring region Ruapehu.
“This has very clearly uncovered what is important to our communities across the entire region and has helped shape the actions that are highlighted within the plan,” she says.
“Looking after the place we all love sits at the heart of Te Ihirangi. Protecting and nurturing our whenua is critical. Celebrating and enhancing the visibility of our cultural heritage more and ensuring the visitors we inspire to come here treasure our region as much as we do are important priorities.”
Te Ihirangi represents an opportunity to think and act in a way that will ensure tourism provides a net benefit to our region, not just economically but also socially , culturally, and environmentally.
“However, managing our destination for the benefit of future generations is far bigger than tourism and we all have a part to play,” Jane says.
Te Ihirangi focuses on supporting long-term regenerative change so that tourism enriches our people, communities, and manuhiri (visitors) while strengthening the mauri (spirit) of our lands and waters for generations to come.
Through a collective approach, Te Ihirangi will drive a prioritised programme of activities to ensure that the region is a destination of excellence founded on caring for our land and our people.
Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa chairman, Wiari Rauhina says Te Ihirangi is the culmination of a tireless effort by the leadership advisory group to present a framework and pathway for a multi-faceted approach to a sustainable taiao (natural resource) and tourist-centric development within the Ngāti Tūwharetoa rohe.
“Te Ihirangi has captured and reflects, not only the community voices of today, but equally importantly our community voices of the future,” he says.
“Sustainable development is the pathway for the voices of the future. Te Ihirangi provides that pathway that has been asked for. It is a truly exciting challenge for our rohe.”
