Peter Jackson Eyes NZ Island For Tourism Project

“Peter Jackson, the man you know as the spirited angel who bestowed cinematic genius upon the world in the form of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, is set to inspire more tourism interest in New Zealand,” writes Gabe Zaldivar for Travel Pulse.

The famous director reportedly is “helping launch a tourism initiative that would infuse New Zealand’s Matiu/Somes Island, just off Wellington Harbor, with history, education and entertainment.”

The project potentially would ““examine what life was like for the island’s first Maori inhabitants and encompass the stories and history of the Taranaki Whanui tikanga through digital storytelling and augmented reality,” reports the article.

“Through a project like this we can demonstrate Taranaki Whanui’s collective identity and build pride and kotahitanga through our whole community,” said Neville Baker, Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust chairman, who work with Jackson on the project.

“In fact, it will only enhance the visitor experience and understanding of the island’s rich human and ecological history. More importantly, it is a fantastic opportunity for iwi who own the island to tell their story,” said DOC Kapiti and Wellington area office operations manager Carl Baker.

Article Source: Travel Pulse, Gabe Zaldivar, September 21, 2016

Image Source: Twitter – YHA New Zealand


Tags: Matiu/Somes Island  Peter Jackson  Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust  Taranaki Whanui  Travel Pulse  Wellington  

Dunedin Swimmer Erika Fairweather Wins in Doha

Dunedin Swimmer Erika Fairweather Wins in Doha

Erika Fairweather has won her maiden swimming world championship title with victory in the women’s 400m freestyle final in Doha. The 20-year-old from Dunedin is the first New Zealander to win…