BTM (Hons) student Alexandra Gadd has spent the summer working with the Department of Conservation investigating the drivers of dissatisfaction at DOC campgrounds.

BTM (Hons) student Alexandra Gadd has spent the 2015/16 summer working with the Department of Conservation investigating the drivers of dissatisfaction at DOC campgrounds. Part of Victoria University’s Summer Scholarship programme, this partnership with DOC has led to recommendations on how to increase campers' satisfaction and encourage more visitors to engage in recreation

The scholarship fits with Alex's love for sustainable developments and tramping. Being based at the DOC Head office Alex got involved in a range of other experiences as well as the research project. A highlight was a two-day camping trip to Matui/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour. “We got to hold baby Blue Penguins, see Tuatara and Giant Weta up close and get a firsthand experience of the conservation work DOC does.” Alex also worked with DOC interns on a sustainability project identifying how DOC employees can reduce waste when purchasing lunch. Alex said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and she already plans to conduct more research for DOC for her Honours dissertation later in the year.

DOC's Science Advisor Social Science (Visitors) Michael Harbrow said "Alex has made a valuable contribution to the Department’s work. She was enthusiastic and hard working and we really enjoyed hosting her within our team. We gained a lot from the fresh thinking and different approaches she was able bring to the project.”
Alex was supervised by Professor Karen Smith and Dr Adam Weaver. Karen commented, “This project with DOC was a great opportunity for one of our top students to develop her research skills and gain insights into how DOC works to bring conservation and tourism together.” Tourism organisations interested in partnering with Victoria University on future summer scholarship projects can contact Karen Smith to learn more.

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