INNZ Spring Workshop 2011

A big thank you to the Interpretation Network New Zealand (INNZ) for organizing another stimulating Spring workshop on the 3-4 September. This year INNZ took us to historic Timaru, structuring the event around Te Ana: The Ngāi Tahu Rock Art Centre.

Story Inc worked together with Ngāi Tahu to design and develop Te Ana so we were very proud to showcase our work and discuss it with a broad range of professionals from the cultural interpretation industry. Amanda Symon kindly shared her speaking slot with us. She also led an exciting field trip to view the rock art, and provided delicious titi (muttonbird) sandwiches and cookies after our hike around the countryside. Thanks Amanda! It was also a pleasure to meet Te Ana’s new guides. They’re doing a fantastic job creating a meaningful and personal experience for visitors and their smiling faces will be a hit on the centre’s new branding.

Day two involved discussion groups hosted by Mandy Holme, Moana Davey, and Kate Woodhall. They posed a set of challenges that got us all talking and sharing our experiences of working in partnership with iwi, and how digital media can help engage audiences. Then a quick-fire Pecha Kucha session filled us in some of the group’s latest projects. It was especially moving to see the activities in Christchurch a year to the day after the first big earthquake hit the city. Check out the good work done by innovative guerrilla gardeners Greening the Rubble. Looking forward to next year’s conference.