Changing visitor needs brings new planning for future visitor information services for Nelson

 

Changing patterns of visitor behaviour and the lack of international visitors over the past two years has led the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) to rethink how visitor information services are delivered in Nelson and pause the physical information services delivered through the i-SITE at Millers Acre, Nelson, for up to 24 months.

Bookings and sales have been the basis of the i-SITE business model since it opened in 2005, however this is no longer a viable business model. Over the past ten years there has been a substantial decline in visitor volumes and decreased bookings at the i-SITE as changing visitor needs and behaviour, particularly moves online, have meant in-person information and bookings have become less relevant to many visitors. The change and decline have sharply accelerated since COVID-19, to a point that services can no longer be sustained on the current model.

Although borders are reopening it isn’t expected that there will be a high demand for the i-SITE services this coming summer. Current predictions estimate the country won’t see a full return of our international visitors until 2024/2025.

The temporary closure will give the NRDA time to look at what visitors want and review how to encourage them to support our visitor sector and the community while they’re here.

“It is time to review and rethink the provision of visitor information to be fully relevant to our future visitors as we plan for their return over the coming 18 months. Pausing the i-SITE, gives us the time to seek a new solution for visitors that will better fit their future needs while ensuring a new operation will be financially viable” says Fiona Wilson, CE of NRDA.

Tracee Neilson, Visitor Destination Manager at NRDA says “Nelson has an opportunity to do something innovative in delivering visitor information; ideally encouraging visitors to explore more and care more while they’re in our region. 

During the pausing of the physical i-SITE we can revamp our visitor services to provide innovative and cost-effective services that will benefit both visitors and locals. We now have the time to better understand future visitor needs as we are already aware that visitors are pre-booking more of their itineraries before leaving home.” 

While the i-SITE has always been a small part of interaction with visitors to the region, the key priority for Nelson Regional Development Agency is connecting with them prior to getting to the region at the inspiration/decision making phase. 

The NRDA already works internationally to influence these pre-booked itineraries so that more local businesses are included, and more time is allocated to Nelson Tasman. 

The focus over the next 12 months will be to continue to support our tourism businesses and build on strategies to influence via online and digital marketing that the NRDA delivers for the region. 

Many other towns and cities across New Zealand have already made the difficult decision to close their i-SITEs, some permanently and some temporarily, demonstrating a currenttrend in behaviour within the visitor sector due to various reasons. Christchurch, Oamaru and Invercargill are just a few examples of i-SITEs which have stopped operating over the past few years. 

“Our current and past staff at the i-SITE have done an amazing job to provide information and booking services through very challenging times.  The team will be fully supported as we work through the coming months” Fiona Wilson, CE of NRDA adds.

The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre at Millers Acre will continue to operate at the current site and is unaffected by the i-SITE closure. The Motueka i-SITE, Takaka and Murchison information centres are run independently from the Nelson i-SITE and this decision does not change their support for the visitor experience in Nelson Tasman region.

The i-SITE will close its doors on 30 June, however the phone line (03-548 2304) and email address (nelsonisite@nelsontasman.nz) will continue to operate and be managed by NRDA. Over the next few months, the NRDA will be working closely with the Nelson City Council to ensure visitor services in Nelson during this time can continue. A detailed transition plan will be announced in the coming weeks.

FORMULA 1 -

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen

Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez and P3 finisher Max Verstappen have been cleared of crossing the pit exit in separate incidents on Sunday.

Both drivers were summoned to the Stewards on Sunday after two protests by Ferrari, who wanted to clarify whether they had stayed to the right of the yellow line while exiting the pits during the race around Monte Carlo.

The Stewards' verdict, in two separate documents but combined here, read that, after hearing arguments from both Ferrari and Red Bull: "All parties agreed that Car 1 [Verstappen] did have part of its front left and rear left tyre on the left side of the yellow line. All parties agreed that most of the left front and left rear tyres of that car remained on the yellow line.

"At the hearing Ferrari conceded that Car 11 [Perez] did not have any part of its front or rear tyres on the left of the yellow line and conceded that the Protest was unfounded.”

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Help Nelson 15 year olds get to the USA for a science and engineering competition

 

Thorben Therkleson and Caitlin Pilcher practicing on a replica of the
 obstacle course that will be used in the SeaPerch competition in the Washington DC next week.

Two Waimea College students Thorben Therkleson and Caitlin Pilcher won their division, for their age group, in the NZ AquaBots National Competition recently, beating 21 other NZ teams.

Both teenagers now need to travel to Washington DC to compete in the International SeaPerch Competitions on Wednesday. They have only days to gain a little more support with funding for their travels.

Thorben’s mother has set up a give-a-little page on Facebook asking the community to help with funding. There  is still funding needed for the two 15 year olds, quite a shortfall, but Thorben’s mother said “Thanks so much for all your support so far!”

The funding for the travel of the winners is usually provided by the Royal Society, but they have cancelled the funding. 

They became the third TASMAN team that has made it to the finals of NZ AquaBots Nationals.

Thorben and Caitlin have been spending a lot of time with their ROV (remotely operated vehicle) at the school pool, practicing on a replica of the obstacle course that will be used in the SeaPerch competition in Washington DC next week.

These two bright teenagers have already built an operational ROV, learnt how to use it, written technical reports and collected biological samples from the ocean in collaboration with willing scientists.

The team wish to acknowledge the help of two students 

Brooke Robinson and Izzy Lodge.

The teams name is “Narwhal" -  Their BOT (ROV) is Matariki

The impact this learning experience is having on these young adults for the future would be hard to measure, but today ROVs are operating in the harshest of environments both the deep ocean and outer space. 

ROVs have proven the tool of choice for exploring remote locations, allowing scientists to explore the deepest part of the ocean and the furthest reaches of the solar system with the least weight penalty, the most flexibility and specialisation of design, and without the need to provide for sustaining human life.

The experience these students are now having will give these young scientists the probability of breaking apart the knowledge we already know about our world and the universe.

Graeme Smith the Associate Principal of Waimea College said 

“Waimea College is thrilled that these young students have an amazing result, for their enthusiasm, their effort, and for their creative ideas.”

“All the Team had a real interest in science and hoped to be involved in the science field in their future.”

“The students had told me that they were keen to do something a bit different, something new that is not part of normal school and in an area of their passion. Talking of something different: the Team's name is “Narwhal” which came from a specific card in the card game they had been playing.”

“Also, the Team have called their BOT Matariki and painted in the southern sky because they wanted it to be New Zealand based.”

“The Team would also like to acknowledge one of their other members, Izzy Lodge, who could not attend the National event.”

“Waimea College is immensely proud of our students and wish them well in the USA."

A Give-a little page (see the link below) has been set up for Thorben Therkleson and fellow classmate Caitlin Pilcher (both 15) to travel to the United States for the International SeaPerch Competition.

Here is the link to the Give-a-little page any amount helps and thank you so much for your help:

Help Nelson teens get to the USA for a science and engineering competition

QR Code for donations

The team wishes to "thank everyone for their donations."

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Port Tarakohe penguin protection approved

Little Blue Penguins in Golden Bay

 Tasman District Council Protection for port penguins

 A colony of Little Blue Penguins in Golden Bay is to get increased protection following a decision by Tasman District Council to construct a fence to limit access to their breeding grounds. 

At a meeting on Thursday 19 May Councillors agreed to approve the construction of a fence at Port Tarakohe following an approach from the Mōhua/Golden Bay Blue Penguin Trust. 

Initially it was proposed that a fence of around 80 metres long with a locked gate be constructed to exclude people from the Western Arm of the port’s breakwater.  

However following a round of public consultation, a proposal for two shorter, less visually intrusive fences with a gate controlled by a keypad or combination lock. 

Access for fishers will be available by a permit system but all dogs will be banned. Educational brochures will be supplied to those requiring access. 

The cost of construction of the fence is yet to be finalised but is expected to be less than $10,000 with the price of materials having already being met by the Mōhua/Golden Bay Blue Penguin Trust. 

The area will be monitored by the trust to measure the effectiveness of the protection measures and the arrangements will be reviewed by the Golden Bay Community Board every three years.

COMMENT FROM:

As the former Chair of the Mohua Blue Penguin Trust I would like to correct this article. That the Trust lobbied Council hard, but unsuccessfully for a card access gate for local fishers. You will see my letter in Friday's Golden Bay Weekly.

 

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Waimea College Thrilled For Students Who Won NZAquaBot Nationals - Wishing Them Well For International SeaPerch Competitions in USA

The NZAquaBots National Competitions, the Waimea College Narwhal - Matariki Winning Team for Tasman, students Caitlin Pilcher, Thorben Therkleson and  Brooke Robinson.  

Photo: Thanks to Ministry of Inspiration

ONE WEEK TO GO FOR TEAM FUNDING 

 Continuation of article from 17th May

Brooke Robinson, Thorben Therkleson and Caitlin Pilcher won their division in the NZ AquaBots National Competition at the Richmond's Aquatic Centre coming first overall beating 21 other NZ teams recently.  

They became the third TASMAN team that has made it to the finals of NZ AquaBots Nationals.

All three teenagers are now eligible to travel to Washington to compete in the International SeaPerch competitions, but only Thorben Therkleson and Caitlin Pilcher have decided to go to the International SeaPerch competition.

These two students have only a week before they leave and they still need funding towards their travels. 

Graeme Smith the Associate Principal of Waimea College said 

“Waimea College is thrilled that these young students have an amazing result, for their enthusiasm, their effort, and for their creative ideas.”

“All the Team had a real interest in science and hoped to be involved in the science field in their future.”

“The students had told me that they were keen to do something a bit different, something new that is not part of normal school and in an area of their passion. Talking of something different: the Team's name is “Narwhal” which came from a specific card in the card game they had been playing.”

“Also, the Team have called their BOT Matariki and painted in the southern sky because they wanted it to be New Zealand based.”

“The Team would also like to acknowledge one of their other members, Izzy Lodge, who could not attend the National event.”

“Waimea College is immensely proud of our students and wish them well in the USA.”

 

The Royal Society, of scientists and academics, usually funds these bright students for part of their travel costs, but recently they have had to withdraw from this funding. So funding for the trip to the International Finals in the USA is still underway for the team.

A Give-a little page (see the link below) has been set up for Thorben Therkleson and fellow classmate Caitlin Pilcher (both 15) to travel to the United States for the International SeaPerch Competition.

Here is the link to the Give-a-little page any amount helps:

Help Nelson teens get to the USA for a science and engineering competition.

QR Code for donations

The Team were part of a group selected for a Marine Biology and Engineering study camp. During this period the students learnt how to build, maintain, and pilot a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) their BOT Matariki, a tremendous feat in itself, but went on to learn about the oceans and the life within them.

The students were able to collect real world data while using their ROV for an international research project about marine biosecurity, a programme started by the Cawthron Institute of Science. Other experiments were able to be done and also the Team collected bio samples of eDNA to be analysed by the University of Otago.

The Narwhal - Matariki Team that went on to become the Tasman winners of the NZ AquaBots National Competition would like to thank their parents and all the other people involved in their studies and funding.

One USA teacher commented about the Ministry of Inspiration teaching programme “As a dedicated educator and a science lover, I have to say that the SeaPerch Program is giving me and my students the opportunity of a lifetime.  The program facilitates the learning of a wide variety of skills and gives science teachers a powerful tool to turn the learning experience of the students into an active, challenging and highly engaging one. In my past eight years as a science teacher, I had never experienced so much fun and excitement inside and outside my classroom.” 

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Autumn Photos

SOME AUTUMN SHOTS

Bush Creek Recreation Reserve Arrowtown. Autumn Photo Ray Therkleson

RICHMOND, TASMAN SAT 28 MAY 8.30AM

VERY CLEAR WITH LIGHT WIND BECOMING COLD IN RICHMOND, TASMAN. SAT 5.30PM 28 MAY.   LOOKING TOWARDS MAPUA, MOTUEKA AND TAKAKA GOLDEN BAY

It's Autumn and Richmond feels like Arrowtown with so many autumn leaves around. Take a look!

Richmond Tasman.  Photo Ray Therkleson

Richmond Tasman. Photo Ray Therkleson

Richmond Tasman. Photo Ray Therkleson

Richmond Tasman. Photo Ray Therkleson

Nelson. Photo Ray Therkleson.

Arrowtown. Photo Ray Therkleson

Arrowtown. Photo Ray Therkleson

Arrowtown Autumn Colour, Chinese Gold Miner's Village Creek.  Photo Ray Therkleson

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Comments:

Wonderful autumn colour!  (Unknown person) 22 May 2022

Community Funding Needed for NZAquaBots National Competition Winners so they can Compete in the United States

 

Brooke Robinson, Thorben Therkleson and Caitlin Pitcher, the Narwhal Team from Tasman, who won their division in the NZAquaBot National Competition and could now compete in the United States.    Photo: Thanks to Waimea Weekly

The funding for the Tasman winners of the New Zealand AquaBots Nationals Competition to attend the International SeaPerch Competitions held at the University of Maryland, Washington DC, has dried up and the TASMAN winners would like help with funding.

Brooke Robinson, Thorben Therkleson and Caitlin Pilcher won their division in the NZ AquaBots Nationals Competition at the Richmond's Aquatic Centre coming first overall beating 21 other NZ teams recently.  All three teenagers are now eligible to travel to Washington to compete in the International SeaPerch competitions.

Caitlin commented how she felt winning “It was very exciting and it was definitely very surprising. I don't think any of us expected it.”

Funding for this overseas trip was partly supplied by the Royal Society but Debbie Woodhall, the Royal Society Strategic Projects Advisor, said “Unfortunately I regret to advise that our funding for students to travel to international science and technology events has been suspended and I do not know what will happen for next year.  It may be that this will not continue into the future either.”

It is evident then that funding needs to be secured elsewhere to help the students attend their international competition.  So I am writing this article to ask you to give a helping hand to make sure our future young adults secure the funds necessary so our future scientists and engineers can go on their way to further learning and have an experience of a lifetime in the USA.

One could say that these teenage Waimea College Students have another battle on their hands to secure enough funding to be able to attend the International SeaPerch Competitions in June.

A Give-a little page (see the link below) has been set up for Thorben Therkleson and fellow classmate Caitlin Pilcher (both 15) who are the successful National Champions in their age group and have decided  to try and travel to the United States for the SeaPerch Competition.

Here is the link to the Give-a-little page any amount helps:

Help Nelson teens get to the USA for a science and engineering competition

QR Code for donations

What are the NZAquaBot National Competitions all about:

The competition is run and organised by the Ministry of Inspiration and briefly these are the items the students have to be involved in:

• Designing and building a submersible Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
• Piloting the ROV through a series of underwater challenges
• Creating an in-depth Technical design report
• In-person presentation explaining their engineering design choices   
• Creating a video outlining the team and their design principles

Thorben Therkleson, Brooke Robinson and Caitlin Pitcher, the Narwhal Team from Waimea College Tasman, Testing their equipment before the NZAquaBot National Championships.    Photo: Thanks to Waimea Weekly

Amy Cornelisen the NZAquaBot National Championship Coordinator and Organiser from the Ministry of Inspiration said “the NZAquaBot National Championship was held 26-27 March this year in two locations due to Covid, Rotorua and Richmond. Twenty-one teams battled it out in 4 water events and a scientific presentation.”

“Teams represented Northland, Auckland, Rotorua, Richmond, and Nelson. Four teams have qualified to compete in the International Sea Perch Challenge in June 2022 in the USA”

One of those teams is from Waimea College Tasman. This is the third TASMAN team that has made it to the international competition!

NZAquaBots started in TASMAN and this should be noted by the Tasman residents. From here it has spread around the entire country and even to Australia.

Thorben from the Narwhal Team commented how his team became interested in remote controlled vehicles, “Late last year some lucky students from around the top of the south were given the opportunity to participate in an engineering and science camp run by the University of Otago at Mistletoe Bay in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. During this camp, my team, and a few other teams constructed remote operated vehicles for underwater exploration and data gathering. So the camp at Mistletoe Bay was how we got started in remote control vehicle technically”

NZAquaBots goes beyond the local pool, it promotes the relevance of science and technology and broadens the community’s ability to engage in science and technology. The programme activities, including the building of remote controlled vehicles extend beyond youth by engaging families and the wider community.

The NZAquaBots National Competitions, the Narwhal Winning Team Caitlin Pitcher, Thorben Therkleson and  Brooke Robinson.  

Photo: Thanks to Ministry of Inspiration

The judges for the competition and mentors come from the local science industry such as: Cawthron Institute, Plant and Food Research, King Salmon and local science teachers. 

The competition always has an obstacle course and a presentation. The other water events change each year and reflect a NZ theme. This past year the theme was the Geothermal Geyser of Rotorua.

Participants learn design engineering, science-hydrodynamics, electronics, buoyancy, refraction, pressure, etc.. In addition as it is a team event students learn 21st century educational skills such as Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking.

The competition was not easy as Thorben commented “The hardest part of the competition was probably in the nationals when our motors didn't work so we were unable to participate in the first event of the competition. We then had to put together a new set of three motors and attach them to our ROV with just minutes to spare before the next event of the competition.”

“The Ministry of Inspiration (MOI),” Amy Cornelisen said, “Is a TASMAN-based charitable trust committed to offering students innovative and inspiring experiences through STEAMS programmes (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths, and society) and geared towards a participatory audience of ages 5 to 18, with an added leadership development component for the older students.”

What are the International SeaPerch Competitions:

The competitions are held at the University of Maryland, Washington DC. 

Over 140 teams are competing in the USA next month representing 9 different countries.The annual International SeaPerch Challenge is an invitation-only event open to teams that excel at registered regional competitions and earn a slot to compete in the season’s culminating event.

On land, teams show off their engineering skills through technical papers and presentations. In the pool, they navigate their SeaPerch through a series of obstacles inspired by the real world that test manoeuvrability, control, and utility. Each season has a new theme and a new set of competition tasks, challenging teams to expand on their original vehicle design.

Beyond the friendly rivalry, all competitions bring students together from different schools, states, and countries to form a supportive community.

The Tasman students, Caitlin Pilcher and Thorben Therkleson have written a whole technical report to take with them to the international competitions and it is amazing to read with the depth of knowledge these 15 year olds have achieved. I would like to print the whole report so you could read it for yourselves but they have the copyright.

Let's hope they can both make it to the United States and have a chance to win the International Competition.

Thorben commented about winning the National Competition and about future travel “Rather surprised, as we went into the competition just for fun with no intent at all of winning so coming home with the victory sure felt nice.”

About travel “ I’m not very excited at the thought of traveling overseas but I think that when the day comes around and I am about to get on the plane I will get very excited. The thought of going to America seems a bit unreal to me, but I do think it will be very awesome.”

Caitlin commented about travel “Its crazy that we have been given the opportunity of going to America and I am super excited to be going to America!” 

Thank you for giving a contribution to have these young adults achieve their dreams.

POST CONTINUED ON MAY 21

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