Real West - Stories, Service, Spirit is a hands-on 4-hour workshop for visitor-facing teams. The brand-new programme provides practical training to lift visitor care and community pride across the Coast.
Rooted in the West Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) and the regional 'Untamed Natural Wilderness' identity, it blends local stories, cultural values, and practical service know-how to strengthen visitor experiences and community pride. Designed with input from mana whenua, DOC, and informed by University of Otago research, the programme will deliver immediate benefit for your staff and operation.
Real West participants will be able to:
Recognise the West Coast’s unique wilderness, culture, and character, and explain how wilderness underpins the visitor experience
Share short, accurate local stories (Māori pūrākau, settler & contemporary) with confidence and correct pronunciation/kupu
Embed manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whanaungatanga in everyday hosting
Understand DOC’s role and apply key park/place knowledge to give accurate, safe, season-aware advice (weather, closures & alternatives)
Handle common scenarios with confidence and leave with a personal commitment to action
Contribute to DMP goals through consistent, regenerative, visitor-ready practice
Facilitators:
Zane Smith and Development West Coast team members.
Zane Smith, Owner of Vation Limited – Sustainable Solutions Consultancy
Zane has spent three decades working both nationally and internationally in a variety of industries and roles. Working in management positions, owning and operating a range of tourism businesses, consulting, and working concurrently as an educator. Having had a lifelong passion and focus on the environment and cultures and their interaction with tourism, he has spent many of his working years in the adventure tourism, ecotourism, SME, community development and education spaces.
These events are free to attend with catering provided.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early on Eventbrite to secure your spot – we’d love to see you there!
Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Time: 4pm - 8pm (light dinner will be provided)
Venue: Club Buller - 44 Queen Street, Westport
Cost: FREE!
Register now:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/real-west-hokitika-stories-service-spirit-tickets-1698530423219?aff=oddtdtcreator
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