Surprise $1.5m Tairāwhiti i-Site makeover funding sparks debate

Picture by Liam Clayton

Government funding of $1.5 million for a Trust Tairāwhiti/Ngāti Porou project of establishing a new i-Site has taken tourism operators by surprise.

The funding, announced by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Gisborne on Wednesday, is also aimed at delivering an i-Site complex with “more compelling visitor experiences” to boost visitor numbers.

But a spokesperson for Tourism Operators of Tairāwhiti-Gisborne said they had no knowledge of a proposed new i-Site, or any need for a new i-Site.

The spokesperson questioned what the funding would achieve in terms of attracting tourists to the region post-Cyclone Gabrielle.

The spokesperson said the funding compared unfavourably to the amount of $1.2m granted to Hawke’s Bay Tourism, also announced on Wednesday.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism chief executive Hamish Saxton said a significant portion of the new tourism funds would be invested into marketing campaigns to attract visitors to Hawke’s Bay, with growth targeted from proven markets to the region, such as Wellington and Auckland.

Similar tourism promotion funding has also been announced in the Coromandel.

Trust Tairāwhiti acting chief executive Richard Searle said the organisation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ngāti Porou supporting their venture to develop a key visitor experience site for Te Tairāwhiti.

The MOU has several conditions, including a substantial transition period to consider the i-Site location and arrangements with Ngāti Porou.

Mr Searle said it was an exciting opportunity for the tourism sector.

“The aim of this collaboration is to develop a new site with products and experiences that showcase our region and enhance the overall experience for our manuhiri.

“Together with NGL, the trust is confident this project and change of direction for the i-Site will support increased visitor numbers and better uptake of our tourism and product offerings.

“It will also continue to be well supported by our local communities.”

Further comment has been sought from Trust Tairāwhiti and Ngāti Porou.