Upcoming Events
Otago Tourism Policy School 2026
Where: Holiday Inn Remarkables, Queenstown
When: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March 2026
Theme: What should tourism look like in 2050?
Envisioning Aotearoa New Zealand's future through emerging technologies and the Tourism Growth Roadmap
The research team will have two speakers at the event - Professor Hēmi Whaanga and Professor James Higham.
Team members will also be contributing to the Research Forum and demonstrating their latest Virtual Reality prototypes.
Previous Events
South Westland A & P Show,
February 2026
Research team members were invited by DOC to join the DOC–ZIP tent at the South Westland A&P Show (Whataroa Domain) on Saturday 28 February.
Hands-on Virtual Reality demonstrations allowed locals to experience how immersive technology could amplify visitor connection to a thriving, predator free Glacier Country.
South Westland Living Lab,
November 2025
The South Westland Living Lab (3–4 November 2025) brought together local businesses, tourism operators, researchers, and conservation partners to explore how immersive technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR), can support regenerative tourism outcomes for the region.
Over two days, attendees articulated shared aspirations, identified challenges and opportunities, and co-developed early concepts for visitor experiences that align with South Westland’s values, cultural identity, and environmental priorities.
Far North Living Lab,
February 2025
Research team members travelled to the Far North (10-12 February) for a hui with Akerama Marae Native Species Nursery.
The relationship building / engagement exercise was a great success.
TIA Tourism Summit Aotearoa, November 2024
The research team hosted a booth at the Tourism Industry Aotearoa Summit in Auckland 6 November 2024 to demonstrate some of the latest prototypes to attendees.
The demonstrations were very well received.
