Agritourism Accelerator Programme - START - now online!
Whanganui Agritourism Cluster
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The first six Agritourism Accelerator Programmes were held in regions around New Zealand in 2023.
The next 'Agritourism Accelerator START' will run through the new Agritourism Academy from early February 2024. It's a 3-month course designed to help farmers and others interested in agritourism to identify opportunities, develop and grow their agritourism business (further) to diversify farm income, attract visitors to their region and build rural communities.
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"Loved everything- facilitator, venue, content, examples ... All so I inspiring. I’ve already re-listed our bach and am researching Walking Tours. Particularly enjoyed being with like minded people and hearing their stories."(Whanganui participant)
"I feel it was a fantastic first day. I've came home extremely motivated, and already in quite a different direction than what I thought yesterday morning." (Pukekohe participant) "Thank you so much for yesterday. I really enjoyed your knowledge and energy. There was certainly plenty of information. I really enjoyed the case studies and how each of them had engaged and developed as Agritourism businesses. Great story telling. I also thought the group had a good cross section of land owners with some great ideas peculating, I look forward to being part of the group." (Whanganui participant) 
Manawatu Agritourism Cluster
"Such an inspiring day attending the Agritourism Accelerator Programme yesterday. There are so many interesting people doing interesting things in the agritourism space in Manawatū and neighbouring regions. Being able to connect with everyone to discuss ideas, plans and experiences was so valuable.
Thank so much for all the pointers and great day, it definitely helps with the momentum. We've made some progress this week! " (Manawatū participant) "It was wonderful to meet you on Wednesday and absorb the day. I feel like I'm really at the start of our journey so my comments come from that perspective.
The Planning Day was excellent. It cemented the direction that we should begin with and opened up the space for future plans. Also there was sheer wonder at what others are doing in our own backyard. The day's format was comprehensive and logical. As a presenter you are so professional and plain speaking so there's no chance of getting lost in jargon. Listening to your experience was a privilege. One of the things I really appreciated was how you pulled disparate information together that is freely available and routinely updated so that there is an enduring resource as we work through our journey. After an ideas day, these resources can provide confirmation or redirection for next steps. Additionally the wairua, spirit, of collegiality and cooperation that you brought to the day enhanced the group and perhaps opened up new opportunities. Having a decent session of small group talking about our plans and challenges was really helpful. It was well timed to get through the afternoon. Also was great to get the Great South perspective / overview." (Southland participant) |
Assessing opportunities on your farm - Taranaki Agritourism Cluster
"I found your session very informative and helpful and I learnt new ideas for our farm. Attending your workshop gave me inspiration and confidence to pursue agritourism. Thank you so much for providing this fantastic opportunity. I’m excited to share our lovely home, our farm with the world it is rich in culture, NZ history and it is an untouched piece of paradise right at our doorstep." (Whanganui participant)
"Thanks for yesterday's presentation Marijke! I found the day to be spot on in terms of content, pace of presentation and inspiration. I'm really looking forward to delving into all those links and working on what next for us at Peihana Farm. And... it was an absolute pleasure to be in the room with a bunch of really nice people. I love the idea of the cluster to keep us connected - really valuable!" (Taranaki participant) "Hi Marijke, I enjoyed yesterday's programme. Content was good, with interesting stats and useful links. Presenter , great and knowledgeable, of course. Planner looks good, plenty of room for scribbling on and just enough useful info and links, but yet to put it to work. Format good, plenty of breaks and the day went so fast. I enjoyed talking to other participants but didn't manage to talk to everyone, hoping to catch up with them in the cluster group." (Southland Participant) 
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Participants will come away with a greater understanding of opportunities in agritourism, what’s involved in running a successful agritourism business, what could work on their farm, and a plan of how to achieve it.
It’ll also be a great opportunity for operators to network and be part of a growing agritourism community. |
 Hon. Damien O'Connor
"Marijke will provide the coordination and experience needed to plan entry to an exciting world of tourism and the sharing of our Kiwi rural life."
Hon. Damien O'Connor, (former) Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Minister for Land Information and Minister for Rural Communities. |
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How does it work?
The images to the right were taken at the Regional Agritourism Accelerator courses that started in May/June 2023. |
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InvestmentThe next courses will be run through the new Agritourism Academy which is being launched on the 20th of January 2024.
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Programme (MBIE - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) and up to 50% funding is available. Click here to register on the Regional Business Partner website. The Agritourism Accelerator START includes:
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The new Agritourism Academy is opening early February 2024.
To join the waitlist for more info, fill in the form below. Thanks! |
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Marijke Dunselman is the founder of Agritourism NZ and one of NZ's leading (agri)tourism marketing consultants & trainers with over 25 years' experience in (agri)tourism. She has worked with hundreds of tourism operators and farmers around New Zealand setting up and growing their businesses and has trained thousands.
She is also an experienced (international) conference speaker and is the Chair of the Education Committee of the Global Agritourism Network. Marijke was awarded 'Tourism Ticker Person of the Year' at the end of 2023. |
Marijke Dunselman
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