Western Southland Promotions Association: Community Building Website

The current site - http://www.westernsouthland.co.nz was developed as a prototype to gain community interest in promoting their region, which is often overlooked by travellers. It currently links in some of the towns, businesses and attractions in the area. All of the current content was contributed by individuals within the community.

WSPAI in partnership with NZTRI/AUT were successful in their bid for 2007 CPF funding for this project which allowed for further development of the site. In October 2007, 5 NZTRI staff members visited Western Southland for an initial planning meeting with members of the WSPA and local businesses. The site was subsequently revised to include new content and functionality, such as podcasts, local events, additional trails and activities for visitors to the region.

In 2008, community podcasting workshops were held in February (Riverton) and April (Tuatapere). A ‘road show’ in the communities of Otautau, Ohai, Nightcaps, Thornbury, Riverton and Tuatapere in early June means that over 60 community members have now been trained to create, edit and upload podcasts to www.westernsouthland.co.nz. The site is now a link from www.newzealand.com