RFP - Scoping Gallipoli heritage site interpretation

The Ministry for Culture & Heritage, on behalf of the First World War Centenary Programme Office, is seeking proposals for services to scope delivery of improved heritage site interpretation associated with Gallipoli.

About Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a place of special significance to New Zealand. It was here that New Zealanders, in April 1915, first stepped onto the world stage, taking a minor role in the clash of empires that had erupted in Europe the previous August.

It was here that New Zealanders were tested in the fire of battle far more severely than they had been on the veldt during the South African War of 1899–1902, and nearly 3,000 of them were killed. And it was here, many believe, that New Zealanders established a tradition that underpinned a developing sense of national identity.

The date of the landing, 25 April, has become Anzac Day — a crucial part of the fabric of national life, a day when we think about what it means to be New Zealanders, and a time for solemn reflection on the cost of war and the sacrifices made by New Zealanders at Gallipoli in other conflicts before and since.2

Why are we doing this?

From a New Zealand perspective our story is lightly told on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It is possible to see most of the sites with New Zealand relevance in a few days, but discovering the part that New Zealand, and individual New Zealanders, played in the history of the Gallipoli campaign can be difficult.

Detailed guide books and websites exist, but visitors may be on a tour by an operator with little knowledge of how to tailor an experience specifically for New Zealanders or those curious about New Zealand stories. Visitors may also arrive having done little preparation, carrying no information resources, and discover little of New Zealand’s story during their stay.

As part of the official First World War centenary programme (WW100), the New Zealand Government seeks to enhance information about New Zealand’s contributions to the First World War. We want to ensure that those interested in, or unaware of, New Zealand stories have opportunities for an enhanced visitor and learning experience, whether virtually or in the respective locations that are significant in New Zealand’s history.

We want to avoid replicating what already exists (including of existing material such as printed guides and historical websites), or duplicating the effort of local providers, but these may well be woven into the overall product you conceptualise.

What are we looking for?

The First World War Centenary Programme Office within the Ministry for Culture & Heritage is seeking a company or independent contractor to help scope what form this interpretive learning experience might take — from websites and mobile applications to printed booklets or partnerships with overseas museums and organisations.

Before dreaming big about the possibilities you will need to be aware that New Zealanders are guests on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Sites of significance to New Zealanders are within a historical national park, and there are strict limits on what physical infrastructure can be added as well as the types of activities that can take place there. Thinking creatively and sensitively will be more important than thinking big.

You will be experienced at ‘narrowing the field’ of possibilities in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, and drawing from your knowledge of delivering superior learning, visitor and tourism experiences across a range of formats. Ultimately, you will provide a business case with recommendations of components, which will help the WW100 Programme Office plan for the delivery phase of this significant legacy project for the First World War centenary commemorations.

You may be based offshore, with the ability to connect easily with stakeholders in New Zealand and overseas; or in New Zealand. You won’t be afraid to listen to everyone’s viewpoint and then make a considered recommendation on the best way forward based on your prior experience and expertise. You will be aware of the sensitivities of working with local authorities in foreign countries, and experienced at working in a foreign-language environment.

Submit a proposal

We invite you to submit a proposal for phase one of this project to improve heritage site interpretation associated with Gallipoli, or to share this invitation with those in your network who may have relevant skills and experience for scoping projects of this nature.

This opportunity is available through GETS, the New Zealand Government Electronic Tenders Service, Reference 39043.

We prefer you register with GETS to access the Request for Proposal. However, if you are not registered and wish to submit a proposal, you may request a copy by emailing us at [email protected].

Respond by date: Friday, 14th of June 2013 at 5:00 pm