Waimangu Win Two Business Awards

We are rapt to be winners of two awards at the 2019 Westpac Rotorua Business Awards. The awards were held at the Energy Events Centre, a huge celebration of business success in Rotorua.

Waimangu team at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards

Innovation & Technology Award

Our application for the Innovation and Technology award focussed on the development of the Waimangu App. The App was launched in 2018 and is available free of charge to visitors on the geothermal walk and boat cruise.

The app brings history to life, telling stories of the creation of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley in the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. It uncovers the mystery of the lost Pink and White Terraces, which can now be seen through an augmented reality feature of the App on the Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise. Guests can see how the valley has regenerated from total destruction and discover what lies beneath the surface of the World’s largest hot spring, Frying Pan Lake.

As one of the first tourism business to use technology in storytelling in this way, we feel that the App perfectly demonstrates our commitment to our mission statement, “Sharing our korero, our history. Delivering exceptional experiences to our manuhiri in a sustainable way.”

The award recognises a huge team effort, using scientific research from GNS Science and NIWA, working with local Digital Elements and Australian based Specialist Apps to bring the project to life.

 

Excellence in Tourism Award

Taking out the the Excellence in Tourism Award was the icing on the cake. This award reviews all areas of the business

Throughout 2018, an ambitious plan of projects was implemented across the business to raise profile of the attraction. This included a complete rebrand, creation of a new website, development of visual assets and implementation of new booking system and point of sale software. Product development has been a key focus, with the introduction of the Waimangu App and the development of guided products and catering offerings.

Waimangu also maintained the strong focus on sustainability that is core to its existence. As kaitiaki of the area, the commitment to the environment is taken very seriously at all levels of the organisation.

We are so proud of the whole team. It’s great for their hard work and dedication to be recognised in this way.

Sustainability at Waimangu - Eco-tourism

We’d like to congratulate all the finalists and winners of the awards. It was great to see so much talent and forward-thinking business in one room and what a great night!

See all the winners in the Rotorua Daily Post story here

Posted by Nicki Dent on October 06, 2019