In our third episode of three exploring how tourism can support regenerative food systems, we’re thrilled to bring you our conversation with Nate Smith of Gravity Fishing, a man who is a force of nature! Nate was concerned that no one else was doing anything about the extractive fishing industry in Aotearoa and took action to transform the industry, while also using food tourism to reconnect his guests with nature.    Nate speaks to many of the topics we’ve discussed this second season of GOOD Awaits: the power of stories in reshaping our guiding narrative, returning to old ways of k ..read more

As we continue to explore tourism’s purpose in a VUCA world, and how tourism can add value and capability to other systems, this is the second of three episodes exploring how tourism can support regenerative food systems, local food resiliency, and help shape local food stories. Both guests in this episode work at a systems level - utilising food related stories and experiences to deepen visitors’ connections to place, whilst adding value to local food and biodiversity systems.  We speak to Amie Young, Destination Development Manager at Great South, the Regional Development Agency for Sou ..read more

As we continue to challenge our current mindset about the definition of tourism, and what it has the potential to be, we seek guests who have boldly taken action in new and exciting directions to explore alternative tourism models. In this episode we talk with Michael Nees, an inbound tour operator who is exploring the possibilities and potential of technology to create innovative and immersive tourism experiences. Michael has developed a range of Virtual Journeys that are so much more than just a video - they are an immersive experience for the senses and the closest thing to really being the ..read more

This episode is the second in a two part mini series, with this episode focusing on two regions who share the community engagement processes they’re going through to develop their destination management plans.  As destinations globally are starting to think about a regenerative approach to destination management, we’re honoured to share the journey that Aotearoa New Zealand’s 31 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) initiated during the pause of the pandemic. At the request of the NZ government, and with the support of government funding, New Zealand’s RTOs have engaged in destination man ..read more

As destinations globally are starting to think about a regenerative approach to destination management, we’re honoured to share the journey that Aotearoa New Zealand’s 31 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) initiated during the pause of the pandemic. At the request of the NZ government, and with the support of government funding, New Zealand’s RTOs have engaged in destination management planning and many have begun the journey towards a  regenerative approach to tourism.    This episode is the first in a two part mini series, with this episode focusing on a national perspectiv ..read more

In these urgent times, we need courage and new thinking to explore tourism’s potential to regenerate places. The Regeneration Collection, founded by Christiaan Uittenbosch and Peter Heule in Amsterdam, is an exciting international event for Bachelors students in Hospitality, Conservation & Architecture that focuses on regenerative design for hospitality concepts. A core purpose of The Regeneration Collection is to encourage, support, and stimulate young people to become changemakers.  We spoke with Christiaan and the two teams who participated in the 2022 pilot event. The enthusiasm ..read more

It takes courage to reflect on questions about the purpose of our lives, our businesses, and what impact we want to make during our lifetime. Brian Megaw shares openly about his process of learning to notice his shifting engagement with his business and his questioning of the meaning and purpose of his business during the opportunistic pause of the pandemic. He outlines the steps he took and how, together with his family, they have transformed and revitalised River Valley Lodge into a business with holistic management principles at the heart. Brian also cautions against trying to quantify rege ..read more

Talking tourism in a VUCA world requires us to have challenging conversations, and this conversation with Susanne Becken was certainly that. If we’re to create a different future together, that means talking about low-carbon travel, predatory delay, unsustainable bounce back and fast-growth models, the need for a clear cohesive national strategy, ongoing regional support, and innovative business models that are truly sustainable in the face of future challenges.  We dive in to all these challenges and more in this honest and broad-ranging conversation with Susanne. Despite the monumental ..read more

"We can’t have a different future if we can’t imagine it first”  Whether we’re conscious of it or not, how we live, work, play - and travel - is all informed by the stories we tell ourselves, by the narratives we continue to uphold. We are all storytellers, and the stories we tell and how we tell them matter.  Join us in this two part episode on storytelling in a VUCA world. Our guest for part one is Alina Siegfried who guides us in exploring a new story for humanity, and new myths and narratives for a different future that we can all create together.  In part two, we’re joined ..read more

Welcome to Season 2 of GOOD Awaits! One year into their journey to research and explore regenerative tourism practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, Debbie and Josie are thrilled to be continuing these critical conversations.  Continuing to unpack the paradigm shift that is required for a regenerative tourism future, this season of GOOD Awaits will go beyond the perceived silo of tourism with a diverse range of guests including story-tellers, students, researchers, and local hosts. Debbie and Josie will explore how these pioneers are creating a new guiding story at individual, local and systemi ..read more