Engagement
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve held over 102 hours of engagement sessions mainly focussed on groups and operators based out of Te Anau.
We really appreciate the rich feedback on the desirability, practicality and fit of the ideas in the masterplan that has resulted from these sessions. This information has been captured, themed, and fed into our feasibility testing process – and shared, where appropriate, through this newsletter.
Queenstown engagement
Since the last newsletter we have shifted our engagement focus to businesses and tourism operators based out of another key community for us – Queenstown. This has included both small and large operators with a strong interest in the future of Piopiotahi. Recent engagements include speaking to Southland Conservation Board, Queenstown Airport, Great South, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, Southern Discoveries, Altitude Tours, Rental Car Association and Go Rentals and Real NZ.
One of the themes we have heard from businesses, and can fully appreciate, is that the last two years have been tough – for some, engaging with Milford Opportunities has been secondary to staying in business. We also heard that the idea of a world class visitor experience is front and centre for most, and that shifting more people into coaches of varying sizes, will improve safety, enhance the visitor experience and benefit the place. Operators noted that a significant leap in technology is needed if we are to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and that upgrading the hydropower scheme in at Piopiotahi is essential.
Recent and upcoming engagement
While we are talking to Queenstown, we remain focussed on maintaining the momentum and information flow with the Te Anau and Milford Sound communities.
Key sessions this month included meeting with the Fiordland Business Association on 28 August and Piopiotahi Community on 29 August. We have planned engagements for September with rental car operators, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Export Council and the Fiordland Marine Guardians.
We plan to share feedback from the Fiordland Business Association and Milford Sound Residents in the September newsletter.
