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.

This is reflected in the findings of a new study conducted for the Ministry of Tourism and released at a national conference in Wellington recently.

The study 'Measurement of Maori in Tourism - Te Ahu Mai, He Tatau Tapoi Maori' has produced several significant findings, including:-

• That Maori participation rates in the New Zealand tourism industry have increased by 72 per cent in the last decade - this is twice the growth rate of the total tourism workforce.
• And that there are now 18,400 full time equivalent positions held by Maori - this is 11 per cent of total tourism employment.

The data used in the study comes from the last national Census and has been analysed in relation to participation and characteristics of Maori involved in tourism activity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The study has found that Maori in tourism employment are more likely to be:-

• Part-time workers - 37 per cent compared with 33 per cent in the total tourism industry
• Predominantly younger workers - 44 per cent are aged under 30 years
• With lower qualifications - 77 per cent have none or school-only
• Employed at lower income levells than those in the total tourism workforce.

The Ministry of Tourism's Bruce Bassett says the study is the first ever undertaken on the part Maori are playing in the tourism sector.

"This is the first time quality information has become available in the important role Maori play in contributing to one of New Zealand's key points of difference," he notes.

The full report on 'Measurement of Maori in Tourism - Te Ahu Mai, He Tatau Tapoi Maori' can be downloaded from www.trcnz.govt.nz.