QR code plan for Napier

The experience of tourists in Napier could be enhanced by the placement of QR codes on buildings.

QR, or Quick Response codes, are similar to barcodes and when scanned by a smart phone they link to information through the internet.

Napier online marketing agency Nurve, with Napier Inner City Marketing and the Art Deco Trust, wants tourist and retail outlets to display QR codes on their buildings.

Nurve director Ailne Bradley said the technology was not new but thanks to the rapid uptake of smart phones QR codes were more accessible.

"We use QRs to engage people in a brand experience," she said. "In this case, Napier is the brand. If you can engage people in a fun interaction they will be ambassadors for your brand and their positive experience will go viral to the world."

She said there were many opportunities for the codes, such as a large one at the entrance to Port of Napier for cruise ship passengers, or the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery building site.

"Imagine being able to scan a QR code at the building site and go through a virtual tour of what the museum will be like when it is finished.

"That is easily achievable with QR technology and I am sure the files are already there to simply upload and start the tour."

She was hoping businesses in downtown Napier would offer engaging content, whether it be historical images, information, or retail or dining offerings.

Nurve will hold a series of workshops for businesses in downtown Napier to help them understand how QR technology can work for them.