Associate Minister of Tourism Parekura Horomia says funding assistance to four regional Mäori tourism organisations is a
major step towards increasing Mäori participation in New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry.
Mr Horomia announced funding assistance for organisations at the Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga Economic Summit in Napier
today. The organisations are Taitokerau Mäori Cultural Tourism Association (Northland), Maunga Tu Maunga Ora (Taranaki),
Mäori in Tourism Rotorua (Rotorua) and Te Ara A Maui (Wellington). Two further applications are expected to be approved
soon.
Mr Horomia said the aim is to assist Mäori tourism organisations to promote and develop resources in the regions.
“The funding also recognises the need to strengthen relationships between Mäori tourism operators and industry
associations, particularly existing regional tourism organisations. Regional development is often about the right people
talking with each other at the right time so that they combine their collective energy for the benefit of the region.”
Mr Horomia said the assistance is another government initiative that addresses issues raised in the report He Matai
Tapoi Maori – A study of barriers, impediments and opportunities for Maori in Tourism.
“There are issues unique to Maori operators. These include the lack of representation in key decision making positions
on key industry organisations, the lack of protection of intellectual property, inadequate market research, difficulty
in securing debt and equity financial and also inadequate and inappropriate industry training.”
Mr Horomia said Maoridom has assets with tremendous potential – its people, its land-based resources and intellectual
property.
“I am pleased to say the Labour-Alliance government is committed to the development of these assets, for the benefit of
Maoridom and also for the country as a whole.”
Questions and Answers
Who are each of the organisations and who do they represent?
Taitokerau Mäori and Cultural Tourism Association
The Taitokerau Mäori and Cultural Tourism Association was established as an incorporated soceity in 1996 to foster the
development of Mäori and cultural tourism operators and associated stakeholders in Tai Tokerau for their mutual support,
sustainable development, and the wider socio-economic benefit of Tai Tokerau. The Association covers the Tai Tokerau
region north of Auckland.
Contact: Johnny Edmonds Phone/Fax 09 402 5139.
Taranaki Mäori Tourism Group
The Taranaki Mäori Tourism Group was formed under the umbrella of the Maunga Tu Maunga Ora Mäori Business Development
Agency set up in June 2001. The Tourism goal for Maunga Tu Maunga Ora is to develop a Tourism organisation catering for
the development of Mäori Tourism Product in the Taranaki and Whanganui regions.
Contact Darran Parata Phone 06 278 4452.
Mäori in Tourism Rotorua
Mäori in Tourism Rotorua was formally established in 1997as an incorporated society to act as the voice of Mäori owned
and operated businesses in or deriving benefit from the Tourism Industry in Rotorua. Mäori in Tourism Rotorua
Incorporated has a history of active involvement in tourism business, policy and related activities at the local,
regional and national levels. The Association also enjoys strong existing relationships with Tourism Rotorua (the RTO)
and with other Mäori business groups and the wider business community.
Contact Karen Grant Phone 07 347 0590
Te Ara A Maui
Te Ara A Maui was established in 1995 as a voice for Mäori tourism operators in the tourism industry within the greater
Wellington region. Te Ara A Maui works with a number of Mäori tourism operators to assist in their development in the
industry. Te Ara A Maui also has existing relationships with the regional tourism marketing body, Centre Stage, and will
continue to maintain and foster opportunities for Mäori tourism operators in these forums.
Contact: John Barrett 025 288 3771
How is a region determined for Mäori regional tourism funding?
The size and coverage of a region for the purposes of this funding is defined by the applicants themselves. Where there
is an overalp between two or more applications, Te Puni Kökiri will work with these groups to agree on the boundaries
different organisations will cover.
How much funding will each of the organisations receive?
The organisations will receive up to $90,000 each over three years. The funding is paid in declining amounts from
$50,000 in year one, $30,000 in year two, and $10,000 in year three. One of the reasons for this is to encourage the
organisations to develop strategies to be self-funding over time.
What outcomes are expected for the funding that has been allocated?
The purpose of the funding is to assist Mäori regional tourism organisations to develop business capabilities within
Mäori tourism businesses and promote the interests of Mäori tourism within key industry organisations. This is expected
to enhance the quality of Mäori tourism in the region and stronger relationships with existing Regional Tourism
Organisations.
Who will monitor the contracts?
The contracts will be monitored by Te Puni Kökiri’s regional offices in the same way as other funding. This will include
reviewing the quality of deliverables, and maintaining periodic contact with the organisations to provide other
assistance as necessary.
What is the criteria used to select the tourism organisatons?
Funding proposals were assessed against the following criteria:
- Proposal clearly sets out how the Mäori regional tourism organisation will address the purposes of the funding;
- Evidence of accountability to and support for the proposal from an existing network of Mäori tourism operators;
- Evidence of co-operation across the region and with iwi within the region;
- Evidence of priority on promoting the interests of Mäori tourism operators in their region;
- Evidence of management structures, systems and financial management procedures in place;
- Proposal realistically sets out strategies indicating how financial sustainability of the organisation will be
achieved beyond the proposed funding (including evidence of existing viability where relevant);
- Evidence of existing relationships or potential for relationships with regional tourism organisations and other
industry associations; and
- No other competing bid from a Mäori regional tourism organisation in the area.
What effect will this have on the Regional Tourism Industry bodies?
The Mäori regional tourism organisation funding is not expected to replace or assume the responsibilities of existing
regional tourism bodies. The Government would however like to see existing regional tourism bodies and Mäori regional
tourism groups working more closely together.