Projects - New Zealand
TRC has worked on a wide range of projects throughout New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island, including the Chatham Islands.
Strategies, Policy And Governance

TRC assisted in preparing the New Zealand
Tourism Strategy 2008-2015
- Review of funding options and international marketing alliances for New Zealand’s Regional Tourism Organisations. (RTONZ, 2009)
- Review of the National Strategy on Walking Access. (Walking Access Commission, 2009)
- Development of a visitor strategy for the Orongorongos and Catchpool Valleys, Wellington. (Department of Conservation, 2009)
- Wanganui Visitor Strategy. (Wanganui District Council, 2008-2009)
- Waitomo Tourism Development Plan. (2008-2009)
- Rangitikei Business Strategy and Workshop. (2008)
- Glacier Country Destination Management Plan. (Development West Coast, 2008-2009)
- World Heritage Area Tourism Development Strategy. (Development West Coast, 2008-2009)
- Wanganui Recreation Strategy. (Department of Conservation, 2008)
- Tourism input into the Waipa District Growth Strategy. (Beca and Waipa District Council, 2008)
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management. (Department of Conservation, 2008)
- Tourism Research on behalf of the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council. (NZTE, 2008)
- Researching Tourism Opportunites at Cape Foulwind, on the West Coast. (Development West Coast, 2008)
- Audit of Electricity Lines companies’ adherence to the Distributed Generation Regulations. (Electricity Networks Association, 2008)
- Development of an Industrial Heritage Tourism Visitor Experience at Wairakei. (Contact Energy, 2008)
- Dunedin Visitor Strategy 2007-2017. (Dunedin City Council, 2007-2008)
- Visitor Centre Review of Information Provisions, Rotorua. (Department of Conservation, 2007)
- Climate change strategic scan and establishment of a philanthropic climate change action collaboration. (The Tindall Foundation, 2007)
- Strategic Plan for new Regional Tourism Organisation. (Destination Fiordland, 2007)
- Convention Centre Redevelopment. (Dunedin City Council, 2007)
- Submission to the proposed Horizons One Plan. (Visit Ruapehu, 2007)
- Destination Management Plan and Issues and Options Assessment for Glaciers Region, West Coast. (West Coast Development Trust, 2007)
- Management input into the Whanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei Major Regional Initiative for Tourism. (MRI Board, 2007)
- New Zealand Tourism Strategy, 2015 – Industry consultation and strategic directions. (Tourism Industry Association, Tourism NZ and Ministry of Tourism, 2006-2007)
- West Coast Tourism Waste Management Strategy. (West Coast Waste Management Working Group, MfE, 2006)
- Resource Development for NZAID Programme and Policy Tools Project.
(NZAID, 2005-2006)
- Review of Destination Manawatu. (Palmerston North City Council, Manawatu District Council, 2005)
- Preparation of the Tourism Development Subsidy Scheme. (Ministry of Tourism, 2004 & 2005, in association with Stimpson & Co and GHD)
- Southland Tourism Strategy. (Venture Southland, 2005)
- Lake Taupo Tourism Strategy. (Taupo District Council, 2005)
- Review of Destination Lake Taupo’s Marketing Division. (Taupo District Council, 2003/2004)
- Preparation of the Wakatipu Trails Strategy for the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Department of Conservation, Otago Regional Council and Wakatipu Trails Trust. (Wakatipu Trails Trust, 2003/2004)
- Tourism Signs Policy for Hawkes Bay. (Hawkes Bay Tourism - Regional Tourism Organisation, 2003/2004)
- Review of the tourism industry and future opportunities for Kapiti-Horowhenua Districts. (Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua District Councils and Industry New Zealand, 2003)
- Review of the future management of Molesworth Station. (Nimmo Bell/Land Information New Zealand, 2003)
- Preparation of the Draft Heritage Strategy for the West Coast. (West Coast Heritage Strategy Steering Committee, 2002)
- Preparation of the Strategy for Local Government involvement in Tourism.
(Local Government New Zealand, 2002)
- Review and preparation of the Policy and Charges for commercial recreation in Wellington Regional Parks. (Wellington Regional Council, 2000)
- Strategic review of recreation facilities on Stewart Island. (Department of Conservation, 1998)
- Concept plan for development of interpretation and recreation facilities, Rotoiti Mainland Island Recovery Project. (Department of Conservation, 1998)
- Review of safety. (Department of Conservation, 1996, 1997)
- Review of visitor access to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
(Department of Conservation, 1995)
- Investigation into word-of-mouth information systems.
(Department of Conservation, 1993)
- Policy for commercial concession on conservation land.
(Department of Conservation, 1991)
- Financial and operational review of the QEII National Trust. (QEII National Trust, 1989)
- Institutional planning for the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council.
(New Zealand Maori Tourism Council, 1988)
- Formation of the NZ Rafting Guides Association and development of professional standards. (New Zealand Rafting Guides Association, 1988)
- Establishment/management systems development. (Department of Conservation, 1987)
- Recreation and Tourism Policy Analysis. (Hillary Commission for Sport, Fitness and Leisure, 1986-1996)
Feasibility/Planning Studies
- Feasibility study on development of cycleways in the Central North Island. (Ruapehu District Council, 2009)
- Prefeasibility study on the development of navigational traditions for tourism in Tairawhiti. (Gisborne District Council, 2009)
- Preparation of a prefeasibility study on Auckland’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2018. (In association with Sports Impact Ltd for Auckland City Council, 2009)
- Economic and tourism impacts from proposed Cultural, Arts and Heritage Centre. (Taupo District Council, 2009)
- Assessment of tourism opportunities on Kapiti Island. (Department of Conservation, 2009-ongoing)
- Issues, options and management framework for Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. (Department of Conservation, 2008-2009)
- Marketing and product development plan for the Wellington Cable Car. (Wellington Cable Car Limited, 2008)
- Options study for Gifting Land. (Holcim NZ, 2008) Assessment of tourism potential at Birchwood Station.
(Department of Conservation, 2008)
- Whirinaki/Minginui Village economic feasibility assessment. (DOC, Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry for Social Development, 2007-2008)
- Trails Strategy for the West Coast. (Development West Coast, 2007)
- Water-based tourism opportunities assessment on the West Coast. (Development West Coast, 2007)
- Development of a Strategic Management Framework for Environmental Cooperation. (Ministry for the Environment, 2007)
- Operational Plan for Ruapehu RTO. (Ruapehu District Council, 2006-2007)
- Tarawera Trail feasibility study (economic and social). (DOC, TPK and Rotomahana Parekarangi Trust, 2006-2007)
- Sustainable tourism charter - kaupapa. (Journeys on the Whanganui/Whanganui Maori Tourism Organisation, 2006-2007)
- Feasibility study for a commercial, multi-day walk in Northland.
(Enterprise Northland, 2006-2007)
- Feasibility Study for the Te Araroa Trail. (Te Araroa Trust, 2006)
- Review of Best Practice Environmental Standards. (Qualmark, 2006)
- Walking Track Implementation Plan. (Wellington City Council, 2006)
- Management Scoping Study, Milford Sound. (DOC, 2005)
- Assessment of recreation and tourism effects from proposed electricity transmission line development, Waikato. (Transpower, 2005-2009)
- Tourism and economic impact assessment of proposed heritage developments in Eastland. (Tairawhiti Museum and Ministry for Economic Development, 2005)
- Assessment of recreation and tourism effects for a proposed wind farm, Makara, Wellington. (Project West Wind) (Meridian Energy, 2005)
- Preparation of a tourism planning guide to the Resource Management Act in association with Beca Planning. (Beca/Local Government New Zealand, 2005)
- Preparation of a visitor monitoring system for Wellington Regional Parks. (Wellington Regional Council, 2004)
- Assessment of recreation and tourism effects for a proposed wind farm, Belmont Regional Park, Wellington. (Wellington Regional Council, 2004)
- Economic feasibility study for repair of river protection infrastructure, Patea.
(South Taranaki District Council, 2004)
- Advice and mentoring on the recruitment of a trial Roving Guide Programme at the Wellington Zoo. (Wellington Zoo, 2003)
- Strategic Advice to the Whanganui River Road Tourism Cluster Group on future development. (Whanganui River Road Tourism Cluster Group, 2003)
- Critique of a proposal for a New Zealand Centre for Ecotourism.
(Tai Poutini Polytechnic, 2003)
- Economic and Social Impact Study for a proposed artificial reef at Opunake. (Opunake Artificial Reef Committee and South Taranaki District Council, 2001-2002)
- Identification of potential opportunities for commercial recreation.
(Wellington Regional Council, 2001)
- Preliminary assessment of tourism opportunities at Macraes Flat, Otago.
(Anderson Lloyd, 2001)
- Peer review of the Hurunui River Recreation Study for Environment Canterbury.
(Rob Greenaway and Associates, 2001)
- Peer review of the recreation study on the Waitaki River, Project Aqua.
(Rob Greenaway and Associates and Meridian Energy, 2001-2002)
- Review of guidelines for the Asia Development Assistance Facility. (NZODA, 2000)
- Bike Marketing Plan. (Palmerston North City Council, 2000)
- Concession application to the Department of Conservation.
(Alpine Adventures, 1999-2007)
- Major concession application to the Department of Conservation.
(Fiordland Travel, 1999-2001)
- National Park management input into development planning of Mount Cook Village. (Ernst and Young, 1996)
- Study of walking tracks. (Hillary Commission for Sport, Fitness and Leisure, 1996)
- Visitor research at the Waitangi National Reserve. (Waitangi National Trust, 1994)
- Assessing forestry lands for development potential. (Fletcher Challenge, 1991)
- Concept for the Kaikoura Visitor Centre. (Kaikoura Information and Tourism Committee/DOC, 1991)
- Event management training manual. (Hillary Commission for Sport, Fitness and Leisure, 1991)
- Concept for the Gisborne Visitor Centre. (Eastlands Promotional Council/Department of Conservation, 1990)
- Planning and project management of interpretation aspects of 1990 upgrade of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds. (Waitangi National Trust, 1989-1990)
- Development planning for visitor centre extension. (Waitangi National Trust, 1987)
- Environmental planning for marina and visitor centre development project.
(Milford Sound Development Consortium, 1987)
- Concept for Twizel Visitor Centre redevelopment. (Department of Conservation, 1987)
Resource Management Act (RMA) Planning & Hearings (Expert Witness)
- Preparation of evidence for proposed resort development near Wanaka. (Anderson Lloyd, 2009)
- Expert witness advice on proposed jet boat operation, Wilkin Valley (Southern Alps Air, 2009)
- Arnold River, West Coast, Technical audit of recreation effects for the TrustPower hydro scheme. (Grey District Council/Davie Lovell-Smith, 2006-2007)
- Evaluation of the recreational opportunities for a private plantation forest, North Island. (Boffa Miskell, 2006)
- Preparation of evidence for North Island 400kv Backbone Project in association with MWH. (Transpower, 2005-2009)
- Preparation of evidence for Project West Wind, Wellington. (Meridian Energy, 2005)
- Expert witness advice in relation to the creation of a new mussel farm, Kaipara Harbour, Northland. (Mitchell Partners, 2005)
- Audit of Recreation Effects Assessment Report and the Waitaki River Recreation Survey Technical Report for the Waitaki District Council, Waimate District Council, Environment Canterbury and the Otago District Council. (Davie Lovell Smith, 2003)
- Expert witness advice in relation to a proposed expansion to a mussel farm, Forsyth Island, Marlborough Sounds. (Anderson Lloyd, 2001)
- Assessment of the effects on tourism from the proposed Globe Hill gold mine at Reefton. (Anderson Lloyd, 2000)
- Expert witness evidence for a proposed fishing lodge, Paroa Bay, Northland.
(Russell McVeagh, 1998)
- Clifford Bay Planning Tribunal hearing. Expert witness on back country tourism in the Marlborough Sounds. (TranzRail, 1997)
- West Coast Coal Terminal Project planning hearing. Expert witness on the impact of the proposed terminal on tourism. (Solid Energy, 1997)
Business Advice

Recreation at Lake Wakitipu, New Zealand
- Sustainable Tourism Advisor for Wellington and Marlborough regions. (Positively Wellington Tourism and Destination Marlbourough, 2008-ongoing)
- Mangamawhitiwhiti (Turangi) Residential Project. (Te Whenua Venture Holdings, 2008)
- Advice on resource consent application process to South Island jet boat operator. (Private client, 2008)
- National Wetlands Centre, Rangiriri. (National Wetlands Trust, 2007 & 2010)
- Business Plan assistance to Southland guiding company. (Private client, 2007)
- Porter Heights Ski Area, Demand Assessment. (Blackfish Joint Venture, 2007)
- Feasibility Studies on five development concepts for investment by Tangata Whenua, Lake Tarawera. (Rotomahana Parekarangi Trust, 2007)
- Assessment of market response to the proposed Milford Dart tunnel, Milford Sound. (Milford Dart, 2006 & 2007)
- Whareroa Farm Tourism Project. (Whareroa Hapu, 2006)
- Flat Earth Tours, Wellington, 2005.
- Marketing plan, East by West Ferry, Wellington Harbour. (East by West, 2005)
- Product assessment and feasibility for tourism investment in Te Tau Ihu (Nelson Marlborough) with Destination Planning Ltd. (Ngati Rarua Atiawa Iwi Trust, 2005)
- Business plan for an iwi-based tourism venture, South Westland, South Island. (Private client, 2005)
- Feasibility study for a Pacific Island Cultural Centre in Porirua. (Pacific Island Forum, 2004)
- Business advice for establishment of a climbing and trekking business specialising in Mongolia. (Mongolian Journeys, 2001-2002)
- Feasibility and design of a commercial farm trek. (Trust House, Wairarapa, 2000)
- Assessment of walking opportunities in the Wairarapa. (Masterton Business Enterprise Inc., 2000)
- Advice and preliminary consultation with stakeholders over a proposal to provide one relocated, and one new, alpine hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. (The Hermitage, 2000)
- Alpine Adventures – Helicopter Operations – tourism concession management with Department of Conservation. (James Scott, 1999, ongoing)
- Tamarillo Sea Kayak Tours – ongoing business advice since 1998.
- Business advice for the establishment of an outbound tour operation. (Silk Road Adventures, 1996)
- Strategic planning for a tourism operator. (Wairua Kapiti Island Tours, 1995)
- Strategic planning advice for a tourism operator. (White Heron Sanctuary Tours, 1993)
- Commercialisation strategies. (Wairakei Tourism Park, 1991)
- Marketing launch Kaikoura Whalewatch. (Ngai Tahu, 1989)
Research & Surveys

Franz Josef survey, West Coast, New Zealand
- Hutt River Trail User survey to assess current recreation use and options for flood protection management. (Wellington Regional Council, 2009)
- New Zealand Cycleway Market Research. (Ministry of Tourism, 2009)
- Domestic Tourism Research. (in association with Angus and Associates and Knoware, for the Ministry of Tourism, 2009-2010)
- Social Science Research. (in association with CRESA for Department of Conservation, 2009)
- Chinese Heritage Trail Market Survey, Otago. (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, 2009)
- Volunteers and Voluntourism. (Tongariro Natural History Society, 2008)
- Visitor Monitoring Study at Fox Glacier. (Department of Conservation, 2008)
- Visitor Monitoring Study at Cape Foulwind. (Department of Conservation, 2007)
- Visitor Monitoring Study at Franz Josef Glacier. (Department of Conservation, 2007 & 2009)
- Preparation of the Visitor Monitoring Toolkit. (Department of Conservation, 2007)
- Visitor Survey at the Routeburn Track. (Department of Conservation, 2007)
- Project Design for development of sustainable tourism indicators for APEC member countries. (Ministry of Tourism, 2006)
- Development of a standard operating procedure for monitoring social impacts in association with Lincoln University and the University of Otago. (Department of Conservation, 2005/2006)
- Social Impact Assessment at Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. (Department of Conservation, 2000)
- Research and evaluation of the annual Toast Martinborough Wine, Food and Music Festival. (Toast Martinborough, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003)
- Survey of visitors to Milford Sound and on the Milford Track to assess the effects of aircraft overflights on visitors. (Ministry of Transport, 2000)
- Lake Waikaremoana Recreation Study. (ECNZ, 1997-1998)
- Visitor satisfaction and use monitoring programmes for seven regional parks. (Wellington Regional Council, 1995)
- Tongariro River Recreation Study. (ECNZ/DOC, 1993) Review of Recreation Section field operations. (Wellington Regional Council, 1990)
- Hutt River Recreation Planning Investigation. (Wellington Regional Council/Boffa Miskell, 1990)
- Mohaka River Recreation Study. (ECNZ, 1989)
- Wellington Regional Recreation Survey. (Wellington Regional Council, 1987, 1988)
Study Tours/Workshops/Conferences

Mongolian National Parks and Protected Areas study tour in
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Faciliation of Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum. (Ministry for the Environment, 2009)
- South Pacific Marine Tourism (Mammal Watching) Study Tour. (Chameleon Public Relations, 2008)
- Queenstown Ski Field Marketing Industry Workshop. (Ski Tourism Marketing Network, 2007)
- Chilean National Parks, Tourism and Road Development Study Tour to New Zealand. (NZAID, 2005)
- Philippine Ecotourism Study Tour to New Zealand. (NZAID, 2005)
- Philippine Ecotourism Study tour to Sabah, Malaysia. (NZAID, 2003)
- Mongolian National Parks and Protected Areas Study Tour to New Zealand.
(GTZ, 2001)
- Organising and conducting a study tour of Fiji and New Zealand for eight tourism operators from Samoa. (NZODA, 1999)
- Organising a workshop on the social impacts of outdoor recreation. (Department of Conservation, 1998)
- Organising and conducting a study tour of ecotourism in New Zealand for eight conservation officers from Lao PDR. (Lao PDR Government, 1998)
- Organising and conducting a study tour of ecotourism in New Zealand for four tourism officials from Xingjiang Province in China. (NZODA, 1997)
- Organising and conducting a study tour of ecotourism in New Zealand for 21 tourism officials from ASEAN countries. (NZ/ASEAN Business Council, 1996)
- Coordination of the production of the video ‘Destination Green’ for PATA conference in Bali, Indonesia. (NZ Tourism Department, 1991)
Events

TRC created and ran The Big Coast event in NZ
- Christchurch Events Strategy, in association with Sports Impact Ltd. (Christchurch City Council, 2006)
- Recreational Summit, input on organisation and content. (Department of Conservation, 2006)
- Business advice for Primal Quest regarding expansion into the international market. (Private client, 2005)
- Environmental impact assessment of the 2001 Eco-Challenge event. (Eco-Challenge Ltd, 2001)
- Strategic advisers to the NZ Eco-Challenge event. (Tourism Holdings Ltd and Tourism NZ, 2000)
- Strategic and marketing advice for the Routeburn Winter Classic. (1993)
- Establishment and management of The Big Coast. (1991-1996)
- Strategic planning and marketing advice for the Tuatapere Wild Challenge. (1991)
- Event management of The Grand Traverse. (1989)
- Establishment and management of Mountains to the Sea. (1987-1994)