Exploring the demographics of the current users of Rotorua’s recreational forests - Bronwyn Alton

Bronwyn Alton and Clare Crawshaw combined their research skills in a recent study investigating the use of a local recreational area. The Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua has been identified as being important to the visitor experience by the Destination Management Plan (as described by Destination Rotorua, 2021) that aims to develop a long-term trails strategy. This recreational area is seen as an asset that has the opportunity to grow the local economy. 

This multi-purpose project not only aimed to collect demographic information on the users of the Whakarewarea forest to support future management strategies, but to also build an understanding of who the various users of both the Redwoods (Tokorangi Triangle) and the Whakarewarewa Forest are currently. 

Using quantitative face-to-face survey methodology, it also provided an opportunity for students (Gracen Lines, Farnoosh Arpanaei, Tupou Kaloni) to be involved in data collection to develop their research capability.

Recent publications: 
Alton, B. (2024). Exploring mentorship experiences to learn what is of value to women in leadership positions in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. [Unpublished master's dissertation]. Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.