Upcoming Events
Previous Events
South Westland Living Lab,
October 2026
The 2026 South Westland Living Lab (6-7 October 2026), built on the conversations and insights generated during our previous Living Lab on 3-4 November 2025. Our visit this year hosted sessions that explored a regenerative tourism transition in South Westland and the possibilities that VR and AR technologies offered in terms of immersive experiences that may advance regenerative tourism transitions.
Living Lab participants were also offered the opportunity to experience two technology demonstrations that are being developed in the Otago and Canterbury computing labs.
Jacob Young was lucky enough to tag along for a health check on a young kiwi, which was filmed in 360 degrees and will be part of a virtual reality experience to promote the conservation work DoC has been doing in the area. A big thanks to Laurie Keller, Wayne Costello, and the rest of the team for their hard work and for the great opportunity.
Far North Living Lab,
August 2026
On 26 August 2026 project team members travelled to the Far North for a Living Lab.
The Living Lab was held at Te Ruapekapeka.
Day 1 focussed on rangatahi engagement with VR experiences and educational games. On day 2 there were valuable discussions on how digital and virtual technologies can benefit local communities.
2026 Manaakitanga ki te Tai Poutini Hui | West Coast Tourism Summit
Team members recently attended and presented at the "Technology Meets Wilderness' West Coast Tourism Summit, hosted by Development West Coast at Monteith's Brewery in Greymouth.
The presentation, in conjunction with DOC, was titled Emerging Opportunities for Virtual Tourism in Aotearoa ‘Explore how immersive technologies can transform tourism experiences beyond traditional models. We will share our Karapitipitinga approach, highlight current research insights, and include hands-on VR demonstrations showcasing future opportunities.’
It provided project insights and educated on how specifically VR/ AR can connect visitors with the West Coast's unique landscapes.
The summit sparked valuable discussions and strong interest in the research project, reaffirming the South Westland's forward-thinking approach to tourism.
A great alignment for our work ahead!
https://westcoast.co.nz/events/2026-manaakitanga-ki-te-tai-poutini-hui-west-coast-tourism-summit/
Griffith Institute of Tourism (GIFT) Showcase,
May 2026
The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) hosted its inaugural Research Showcase on Tuesday 27 May 2026 at its riverside Southbank Campus in Brisbane.
The event brought together researchers, industry leaders, and partners for an afternoon of presentations, ideas, and professional exchange.
The Showcase was opened by Professor Lee Smith, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research at Griffith University, and facilitated by Professor of Practice Daniel Gschwind as Master of Ceremonies.
Four researchers presented short five-minute introductions to their research, each followed by a twenty-minute discussion with an industry or government research partner.
Wayne Costello (DOC South Westland Operations Manager) travelled from Franz Josef to Brisbane to participate in the GIFT Research Showcase.
Professor James Higham delivered a short overview presentation on He Karapitipitinga Mariko.
His presentation was followed by a lively and engaged discussion with questions from the MC, and the audience both in the room and online.
Wayne made an excellent contribution in explaining the relevance of the research to tourism, conservation and ecological restoration in South Westland, and sharing insights into the potential of extended reality technologies in engaging visitors and locals alike in matters of relevance and importance to tourism management.
Otago Tourism Policy School,
March 2026
Research team members attended the Otago Tourism Policy School, in Queenstown, in late March.
At the Research Forum on Day 1, the Regenerative Tourism Report was launched, generating a lot of interest.
Demonstrations of VR prototypes were also made available to attendees throughout the day.
On Day 2, Theme Leaders Professor Hēmi Whaanga and Professor James Higham presented in Sessions 2 and 4 respectively.
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.
