Visitor Information Ambassadors to take to Nelson’s streets using AI
Monday 07 April, 2025
Nelson City Council (NCC) and the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), with funding support from the Selwyn Foundation, have partnered to pilot a new Nelson Visitor Information Ambassador Programme, engaging retired residents to provide information and manaakitanga to visitors in Nelson, enhancing their experience of the region.
Following the closure of the Nelson isite in June 2022, feedback highlighted an ongoing need for face-to-face visitor information support in Nelson City. The programme aims to help fill the gap, while offering volunteers an opportunity for social engagement and contribution to the community.
“We recognise that some visitors still expect to be able to access visitor information via an in person experience. We are looking forward to seeing how this initiative is received by visitors and our community to help us understand how viable and sustainable this approach is. It’s also a great opportunity to further promote Nelson’s attractions, events and local businesses to visitors, encouraging visitors to explore more while they’re here” says Fiona Wilson, CE of NRDA.
Ambassadors can be identified wearing a blue vest, clearly marked with ‘Visitor Information Ambassador’ displaying NCC and NRDA logos, and accompanying photo identification. To support the Ambassadors with information, an AI-powered tool has been developed with the help of funding through the Selwyn Foundation, secured by NCC. The prototype AI system sources information from trusted local websites, including Department of Conservation and various tourism businesss along with the official destination website for the region (nelsontasman.nz) which is managed by NRDA. The tool provides quick and accurate responses to visitor queries via voice recognition, with ambassadors actively involved with testing and training to ensure the tool is user-friendly and effective.
“We will capture feedback throughout this pilot period to ensure the programme is tailored effectively. We hope that our community embraces this project and supports our ambassadors, to help make this a positive experience for everyone involved” says Nicky McDonald, Group Manager Strategy and Communications at NCC.
During the initial test period (4 – 30 April), the ambassadors will be based at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary office in Nelson City, starting at Millers Acre and making their way along Trafalgar Street, weather permitting, to offer friendly and helpful advice to visitors. A total of 12 ambassadors are involved in the first test period, with 2 ambassadors on duty at a time; every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, as well as two Saturdays (12 and 26 April), from 10 am – 1pm.
This pilot programme is set to run through April 2025 – June 2026, at which point Nelson City Council will determine its continuation long-term.
(L-R) Heather Thomas, Mary Bronsteter, Anjali Puri (NRDA), Rex Morris, Christine Latimer, Mayor Nick Smith, Monique Dyson, Bill Dyson, Nicky McDonald (NCC), Craig Boodee (NRDA), Julie (Jools) Cockrell, Nick Tilly (Brook Sanctuary), Colleen Law
ENDS
For more information please contact Charlotte Lang, Marketing & Communications Lead, charlotte.lang@nelsontasman.nz