Year 12 Tourism students had the opportunity to participate in the Manaakitanga Ki Te Tai O Poutini Hui (West Coast Tourism Summit) on Thursday, August 31st to round off winter in a cheerful tone.

The 5 girls who attended the hui included: Jahara Duncan, Jade Philpot, Ayesha Berry-Barnes, Lilly Prouting and Chanel Allison. All the students proved to be excellent ambassadors for GHS, upholding our values of Respect and akoranga to the highest degree.

At the hui we listened to a range of speakers from Patrick Dault from Development West Coast, who spoke about the importance of Tourism to the Coast, to Bjoern Spreitzer from Tourism New Zealand, speaking about our unique approach to tourism in New Zealand. The students really enjoyed listening to the down to earth approach of both of these speakers.

Some key insights of the day were developments in the Pounamu Pathway, the $34.5 million New Zealand tourism venture, happening here in Greymouth which will tell stories of the West Coast's early Māori history and the importance of pounamu. And the new developments happening at Dolomite Point and the new Experience Centre which will celebrate and tell the stories of the area’s people, striking geology, unique wildlife and cultural heritage. Overall the day was very informative and fun.

We'd like to say a big thank you to Education to Employment West Coast for inviting us to join this fantastic conference.

Well done to our future leaders in Tourism from Year 12!

Mr. Adams