Mayor & tourism chiefs to launch a world-class visitor attraction for Wellington

Wellington’s tourism community will be out in force today to celebrate the unveiling of detailed plans for the capital’s newest attraction – the state-of-the-art visitor & education centre at Karori Sanctuary.

George Hickton, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand and Tim Cossar, Chief Executive of Positively Wellington Tourism will join Her Worship Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington to launch a scale model and promotional DVD of the new world-class centre, which is due to open in summer 2009.

‘Karori Sanctuary already offers a unique opportunity for visitors wanting to experience our native wildlife up close’ said George Hickton, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand.

‘The new developments will make it a world class facility.’

The Centre will be the first facility of its kind in New Zealand; a must-see destination for anyone interested in New Zealand’s natural history and a major tourist draw-card for the capital. It is one of the biggest tourism attraction developments in Wellington since Te Papa opened 10 years ago.

‘Karori Sanctuary’s Visitor and Education Centre has had our full support at every step’ said Tim Cossar, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism.

‘It will help change the face of Wellington tourism, giving visitors another compelling reason to visit the capital and spend more time here. It’s great the public can get this sneak preview of the model, and see just how exciting the completed Centre will be.’

Using state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions, the Centre will tell our country’s unique story from ‘the day before humans arrived’ and the catastrophe that came in our wake, through to the present day where groundbreaking conservation projects like the Sanctuary are giving our unique wildlife a future.

‘As soon as you step through the doors of the exhibition hall it will be like arriving on another planet: New Zealand 1,000 years ago!’ said Sanctuary CEO Nancy McIntosh-Ward

A totally immersive sound and light show heralds the arrival of humans and the 700 years of devastation that followed. Upstairs you see the fragments of old New Zealand that remained, and what places like the Sanctuary are doing to make them whole again. Visitors will then be invited to experience the Sanctuary first-hand.

ENDS

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