2007

This capability study assesses the feasibility of establishing a Centre for Learning in conservation and Te Taio Maori at the Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Sanctuary in Wairarapa. The first phase of the project involved conducting a benchmarking study with leading domestic and international organisations involved with conservation education. The second part of this work is a feasibility study that includes an economic impact study of visitors to PMB to determine the spending patterns of visitors while in the region.

This programme of research, conducted in conjunction with Nexus Planning & Research Ltd, forms part of a research plan providing North Shore City Council with a series of research proposals to assist in updating their tourism strategy. Outputs include a baseline data profile of tourism in North Shore City, and two discussion papers that examine why North Shore City should focus on tourism and also look tourism development opportunities.

As an outlet for the community tools developed during the course of our research, a new website www.trace.org.nz will be a resource for communities, public and private sector to access a range of tools for research.

T.r.a.c.e. stands for Tourism Research and Community Empowerment: this is a toolkit resource for individuals, communities, small businesses, and local governments to assist in the planning and management of tourism related activities.

The website presents tools and concepts that may be applied to many situations with the aim of empowering people to determine and direct the future of their communities.

A programme of research with PITIC that is designed to get a clearer picture of visitor perceptions of the Pacific and visitor expenditure. This research focuses on Vanuatu/Niue as pilot case studies. This study will also generate tools and resources to enable other nations to conduct cost-effective research of a similar nature. A major aim is the creation of a suite of online resources that can be utilised by nations around the region in conducting research on New Zealand and other markets.

This study will focus on Likuri (also referred to as Robinson Crusoe Island), Fiji Islands, where beach-cast seaweeds have become a considerable nuisance and are deterring resort guests. Tourist satisfaction is an important component of the tourist experience, and is defined as a congruence between needs and experiences. Satisfactory tourism and hospitality services and experiences are seen as the greatest challenge in the tourism marketplace. However, satisfaction is a very complex concept, and many factors influence an individual's satisfaction with a holiday experience.