New Zealand Maritime Museum audio guide launch

Kia Ora,
I am pleased to have the opportunity to be here today, for this ‘audio guide’ launch at Te Huiteanaui-A-Tangaroa, New Zealand’s National Maritime Museum.
New Zealand is a sea-faring nation, possessing a maritime heritage rich in tales of exploration, discovery, design and success.
As such, the importance of maritime history to our range of tourism offerings should not be understated. It is important that we accurately tell the stories of the sea and their contribution to our culture.
The stories are vast, both in number and scale – from Kupe's historic voyage, to Captain Cook's amazing journey 'to the end of the world', to present-day feats such as our achievements in the America's Cup.
These and thousands of other maritime tales, both large and small, form a vital part of New Zealand's point of difference compared with other visitor destinations.
What made many of these feats possible was the innovative use of new technologies.
The smart use of ideas and resources to achieve the best possible end result is at the core of who we are as Kiwis. It also happens to be central to the success thus far of our tourism industry, and will be crucial to its future.
I was reminded of this today as I walked past KZ1, and it is why I am delighted to be here to launch your new audio guide – which will allow visitors to enjoy an interactive guide through the main exhibits, in the language of their choice.
It is quite fitting that this museum, which sits on a harbour of huge significance to our yachting history, has now embraced this new interpretation technology to tell our story to the world.
Constant innovation, through technology and ideas, is essential for us to remain competitive in the global tourism marketplace. It is, after all a very competitive marketplace, and anything less than first-class infrastructure will not allow us to get to where we want to go.
That is why, as Minister of Tourism, I am pleased the government has been able to contribute to this development through the Tourism Facilities Grants Programme.
This grant of $68,092 recognises the significance of this multilingual interpretation project to the rejuvenation of the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. The project clearly has potential to increase international visitors’ understanding and enjoyment through a self-guided experience.
I would like to congratulate Rob Croker and Larry Robins of the museum for their contribution to the project, and all of those involved in developing the authentic audio stories.
I am sure that this ‘audio guide’ system will be an excellent experience, and I can’t wait to try it out.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be here today.
Thank you.