Issue 6 - June / July 2006

Maori Tourism set sails on a new voyage of dicovery
Maori tourism representatives from around Aotearoa New Zealand have gathered for the first time as a national collective, setting a course for a new era of collaboraton and unity.
He Toa Takitini. There is strength in numbers
This is symbolised by the three hoe (paddles) which are driving the waka (canoe) of tourism.
Tourism Maori
The recent inaugural conference hosted by the New Zealand MaoriTourism Council continues the renaissance that Maori Tourism is currently enjoying under the stewardship of this Labour-led Government.
Bringing back the initmacy of a real cultural exchange
Not many tourism businesses are conceived during a leisurely stroll amid nature.
From the city to the beaches and bush...and beyond
Their’s is a relatively new enterprise. But those who steer this venture are bright, bubbly and making a big impression on Auckland’s tourism scene.
Working to achieve through mutally benefical parterships
The establishment of the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council marks an important chapter in the implementation of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010.
Demand drives indigenous cultural guide to second print run
When it was launched last May, the Rough Guide to Maori New Zealand was snapped up by British travellers - despite 250,000 copies being produced.
Reliving History. Tours that retell the stories on which a nation was founded
The bi-cultural society that is now exists in Aotearoa New Zealand had its very beginnings in the Bay of Islands, at the top of what is known as Te Ika a Maui, the fish of Maui.
Taking the Maori tourism message to the World
Maori tourism had its biggest-ever presence at the annual showcase of New Zealand's tourism industry in Christchurch in mid-June.

Issue 5 - March / April 2005

Indigenous cultures meet and greet in ground-breaking Middle East visit Hongi revealed as common form of offering heartfelt welcome
Maori tourism has made its first foray into the Middle East market - and it's proved to be a winner among the indigenous peoples of that oil-rich region.
Star turn out for Matariki
The stage is set for a nation-wide celebration of Matariki, throughout the month of June.
Back at the helm of national tourism marketing agency
Maori will continue to have representation in the highest echelons of the New Zealand tourism industry, for the next three years at least.
Project seeks to signal entry into a very special place
They are the gatekeepers to Northland and now they want to drive home the message that travellers are entering a very special part of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Changing horizons and new challenges at the coalface
A change of pace, location and direction has come for the Tourism New Zealand officer who has been the interface with Maori at a strategic level during the last two and a half years.
Reviving an old concept in water-based activity
Rotorua's city lakefront has witnessed the return of its first Maori-owned and operated tourism business in more than half a century.
He Tangata - Profiling ‘The People’ who are making a difference to Maori tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
Caring and sharing on edge of the blue Pacific Ocean.
From the very moment of arrival, it's hard not to feel at home at Orongo Bay.

Issue 4 - January / February 2005

New name captures essence of place of sanctuary
Rising from the geothermal valley above, mud pools and steam vents is Te Puia. Once a pallisaded fortress, Te Puia protected the people and its culture from warring tribes. Today Te Puia stands majestic of a way of life upholding the values of Maori - past, present and future.
As another year fades into history and the memory of time
we have now entered another with a sense of the unknown, eager anticipation and the notion that we can do better.
Maori film success celebrated in build-up to Matariki
The small northern Hawke's Bay settlement of Wairoa is to get its biggest ever tourism boost.
Wealth of experience flows to Maori tourism
Maori tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand has been strengthened significantly with the appointment of a long-serving tourism specialist to a newly-created strategic position.
Historic grounds become number one garden - officially
The grounds of Waitangi's Treaty House - where the seeds of the nation of Aotearoa New Zealand were first planted - have been given formal recognition.
Carved giant captures history of Pacific peoples
He taonga mo Aotearoa
A gift to the nation, a gift to the world
He tangata - Profiling ‘The People’ who are making a difference to Maori tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
Living the uncluttered life - in a haven where things are done as they have always been done.
A chance to feel the power of Mother Nature
Visitors to Te Puia, formerly The New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute, now have an entirely new experience at their feet. And it is guaranteed to provide warm rumblings beneath
Cruising into the romance of an age-old story
The romance of the legend of Hinemoa and her lover Tutanekai has been brought to life in a new cruise and cultural experience now centred on Lake Rotorua.

Issue 3 - November / December 2004

International trade trained to sell ‘the Maori experience’
Maori tourism has taken another step into the international arena with the launch of a new training tool for overseas travel agents.
The good news in the tourism industry just keeps rolling in!
All the signs point to positive growth for New Zealand’s tourism sector.
Maori crucial to creating vital point of difference
For the first time, Maori participation in the tourism sector of Aotearoa New Zealand has been measured and analysed. And what the new report - ‘Measurement of Maori in Tourism - Te Ahu Mai, He Tatau Tapoi Maori’ - shows is that Maori cultural tourism is on the ascent, and that those involved are playing an increasingly important role in giving this country a key point of difference.
Greater influence being exerted in tourism operations
Maori participation is now entrenched in the wider tourism sector and is certain to take on more dominance in the future.
He Tangata - Profiling ‘The People’ who are making a difference to Maori tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
A tale of an ancient forest and the ancient people who dwelled within it, as told by their descendants.
New certificate course aims to fill cultural skills gap
The demand for skilled and knowledgeable tourism practitioners is driving the creation of a new educational opportunity for those wanting to specialise in cultural activities.
Cruising into a past steeped in history and tradition
The traditions of waka voyaging and history of the development of Tamaki Makaurau - now known as Auckland - are being captured in a new tourism venture centred on the Waitemata harbour.
Diversity of cultural product captivates US wholesalers
The first-ever tourism trade mission involving dedicated Maori cultural product to land on United States’ soil has been completed, with those who participated reporting a successful mission which opened American eyes to what is now of offer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Adding to the mix of cultural diversity in coastal Bay
Major cultural festivals are often regarded as local events for local people, but as editor Chris Birt found out during a visit to Tauranga over Labour Weekend, they also provide fascination and enlightened experiences for international visitors.

Issue 2 - July / August 2004

Maori tourism catapulted into international arena
The first direct cyberspace pathway into Maori tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand has been established. An initiative of the Poutama Maori Business Trust, in liaison with the Ministry of Tourism, www.indigenousnewzealand.com is a new website which has just been officially launched by Associate Tourism Minister Dover Samuels.
Tourism Maori
Having been involved in the tourism industry for many years, I know exactly what the issues are facing Maori tourism operators, and I am confident about the actions we are taking to address them.
Heavenly prospects for celebration of a new year
Matariki - the Maori New Year. It’s celebrated by cultures all over the world, albeit under different names. Thus, there’s an opportunity to promote the event - which had such meaning to the Maori of old - as a significant tourism opportunity.
He Tangata - Profiling ‘The People’ who are making a difference
Replicating nature’s work restores life on ancestral lands
Cultural centre nears end of evolutionary journey
Auckland's first Maori cultural centre has only a resource consent approval to secure before becoming a reality. Planned for the Orakei Reserve at Bastion Point, Te Pa is being seen as the biggest development ever in Maori cultural tourism in Auckland.
Central region sets trend in collaboration
The New Zealand Maori Tourism Society’s Taupo cluster has set a new trend in collaboration with mainstream tourism by negotiating and signing an agreement with its Regional Tourism Organisation.
Those of Te Arawa waka paddle together
The first step toward more liaison in Maori regional tourism has been taken in the Bay of Plenty.
New guide produces insight into depth of culture
Maori tourism has received a significant shot in the arm internationally with the launch of the first indigenous cultural Rough Guide ever produced.
Ancestral links help foster revival of (traditional) skills
Cultural ties that have their foundation in history have been rekindled in an initiative embraced by Rotorua’s Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Issue 1 - May / June 2004

Maori tourism embarking on a journey to claim its own destiny
For the last half century or so, New Zealand’s cultural tourism has been dominated by a single iconic product, kai and kapa haka - more commonly known as hangi and concert. But just as the mainstream industry itself has developed, so has Maori tourism. Now there’s a rich diversity of experiences being delivered - by indigenous Maori - from the backs of horses, from quad bikes and rafts, and from kaiarahi (guides) walking the same forest trails that their ancestors roamed. Te Mura o te Ahi delves into one such significant development.
Trumpeting a new era in communications
Kia ora koutou. Welcome, welcome, welcome to Te Mura o te Ahi, the Voice of Maori Tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Flame of the Fire, The Heat of Battle
I find it significant that this new publication is called Te Mura o te Ahi... depicting ‘the Flame of the Fire, the Heat of Battle’.
Journey of enlightenment begins to take shape
The first step toward the creation of an indigenous tourism trail through the South Pacific, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand has been taken. Now it will be a matter of building on the relationship which has been established and working up a protocol covering the finer points of marketing indigenous South Pacific tourism to the world.
History comes alive through pou project
A plan to put Hamilton on the historical map has been launched by a local group and it’s an initiative that could draw in as many as half a million visitors a year when it’s completed.
Out-there student knows exactly where she’s heading
Carla Norton is very clear about why she wants a career in tourism - it’s the people.
Equipping the people with the skills
Maori tourism is now being recognised as a specialist field, with the launch of three new qualifications aimed at those wishing to pursue a career in this arena.
Korero Paku
In-brief news of interest to Maori tourism - from the files of Tourism Update
He Tangata - Charting a new course in cultural tourism
Profiling ‘The People’ who are making a difference to Maori tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand