Real West - Franz Josef

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: Monday, 20 October 2025

Time: 4pm - 8pm (light dinner will be provided)

Venue: Franz Josef Medical Centre – 97 Cron Street, Franz Josef

Cost: FREE!

Register now