Latest news with #ChrisSturgeon
Scoop
17-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Kaikōura ‘Reimagines' Tourism With New Visitor Centre
A state-of-the-art visitor centre is planned for Kaikōura as the town shakes off the traditional i-Site model. Kaikoura Information and Tourism Inc (KITI) is planning to redevelop the former i-Site as it ''reimagines'' how it promotes the town as a tourist destination. The former Kaikōura i-Site building on West End, opposite the Kaikōura District Council building, has been in hibernation since July 2022, as visitor numbers dropped due to Covid-19 restrictions. The board instigated a review which identified the i-Site had become more of an information service, with less sales, as visitors increasingly sought information and made bookings online. ''It has a been long road developing a sustainable operating model because tourism has changed dramatically since Covid-19,'' KITI chairperson Chris Sturgeon said. ''Towns have had to rethink how they engage with the world.'' KITI (known by its marketing name, Destination Kaikōura) is a collaboration between the council and local tourist operators. The goal is to open the ''reimagined Kaikōura visitors centre'' in time the busy summer season, Mr Sturgeon said. Destination Kaikōura has engaged Nelson-based company Cuik (pronounced Kwick) to install self-service kiosks where visitors can get information and make bookings. ''It is still all about people, but it's also about being able to think differently and have a model which will last for years,'' Mr Sturgeon said. ''People are still the most important part - that friendly Kaikōura welcome and manaakitanga which visitors have come to expect. ''But we will be using technology to assist in the visitor experience.'' Tenants will be sought to share the building, possibly including a cafe or hospitality style business. Mr Sturgeon said the last two decades have been challenging for Kaikōura, with the town weathering the global financial crisis, earthquakes and Covid-19. Visitor numbers have bounced back after Covid-19, with domestic visitor numbers particularly strong, he said. ''Our shoulder seasons are spreading out, and we are seeing more people in March, April, September and October and we have more land-based activities including Eco-Zip and Moana Skies.'' With the Kaikōura district gaining international dark sky sanctuary status last year and the development of the Whale Trail, Mr Sturgeon said Kaikōura is becoming more of an all-year destination. While the cost has yet to be finalised, Mr Sturgeon said it was expected to be a few hundred thousand and will be funded by KITI. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Kaikoura's Waterfront Makeover Set For Summer Opening
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter Excitement is building as construction continues on Kaikura's waterfront development. Kaikōura's Wakatu Quay is expected to be open to the public in time for next summer. The site is closed for now while work continues to construct the first building as part of the redevelopment of the historic wharf. Project manager Chris Sturgeon said work remains on track for completion of the building by the end of October, with landscaping to be completed by the end of the year. ''It is all hands to the tiller and steady as she goes, but we expect the site will be open to the community again for summer, depending on the needs of any new tenant.'' The council has yet to sign a tenant, but is looking for a hospitality type business in line with the development's seafood theme, Mr Sturgeon said. ''There is a lot of interest and excitement about the opportunity and a real recognition that visitor numbers over the summer period and the shoulder seasons are really improving and there is a good flow of business coming through. ''We have a number of large tour groups coming through now, so it is good to be able to offer them different food places around the town and different experiences.'' The council plans to install the infrastructure to enable future development of the quay, as well as seating and furniture which will be made out of old wharf timber. The project is being funded by a $10.18m grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with the council taking the lead on the project and loan funding any shortfall. The grant was received from the Government in 2019 to redevelop the area after it suffered damage in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Local company LMC Building and Construction Ltd was granted the tender for the first building in September. Work is also progressing on the roading redesign to support the development. When complete, there will be space for almost 100 car parks, while the road will have a 30kph speed limit, a raised pedestrian crossing and a footpath along the waterfront made from crushed limestone. The Kaikōura Marine Development Programme team is also planning to enhance the surrounding environment. It has partnered with Project Wellbird, run by the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust, to create 'safe zones' where penguins are known to nest near Wakatu Quay and around South Bay. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Kaikoura's Waterfront Makeover Set For Summer Opening
Kaikōura's Wakatu Quay is expected to be open to the public in time for next summer. The site is closed for now while work continues to construct the first building as part of the redevelopment of the historic wharf. Project manager Chris Sturgeon said work remains on track for completion of the building by the end of October, with landscaping to be completed by the end of the year. ''It is all hands to the tiller and steady as she goes, but we expect the site will be open to the community again for summer, depending on the needs of any new tenant.'' The council has yet to sign a tenant, but is looking for a hospitality type business in line with the development's seafood theme, Mr Sturgeon said. ''There is a lot of interest and excitement about the opportunity and a real recognition that visitor numbers over the summer period and the shoulder seasons are really improving and there is a good flow of business coming through. ''We have a number of large tour groups coming through now, so it is good to be able to offer them different food places around the town and different experiences.'' The council plans to install the infrastructure to enable future development of the quay, as well as seating and furniture which will be made out of old wharf timber. The project is being funded by a $10.18m grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with the council taking the lead on the project and loan funding any shortfall. The grant was received from the Government in 2019 to redevelop the area after it suffered damage in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Local company LMC Building and Construction Ltd was granted the tender for the first building in September. Work is also progressing on the roading redesign to support the development. When complete, there will be space for almost 100 car parks, while the road will have a 30kph speed limit, a raised pedestrian crossing and a footpath along the waterfront made from crushed limestone. The Kaikōura Marine Development Programme team is also planning to enhance the surrounding environment. It has partnered with Project Wellbird, run by the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust, to create 'safe zones' where penguins are known to nest near Wakatu Quay and around South Bay. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
