11 April 2002
The Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon. Parekura Horomia, welcomed today’s signing of a tourism partnership agreement
between the Tai Tokerau Maori & Cultural Tourism Association and Destination Northland Ltd.
Mr Horomia said the signing of the tourism agreement between Tai Tokerau Maori & Cultural Tourism Association and Destination Northland Ltd is a significant event. It represents the first attempt to
formally define a working relationship between a regional tourism organisation and a Maori regional tourism group, he
said.
“This initiative links directly with the New Zealand Tourism Strategy which recommended that Maori partner with Regional
Tourism Organisations on regional planning and development, destination marketing and destination management.
“This agreement is a practical demonstration of the partnership expressed in the Treaty of Waitangi. It shows that both
parties have come together to bring about the economic and cultural well-being of all the peoples of Tai Tokerau
Northland through the development and marketing of the region and its tourism industry,” Mr Horomia said.
Mr Horomia said tourism is a vitally important contributor to Northland’s economic development. The agreement signed by
Tai Tokerau Maori & Cultural Tourism Association and Destination Northland will ensure sustainable management of tourism as a resource for
Northland people into the future.
“In 2000, it is estimated international visitors alone spent $185 million in Northland. By 2007 it is estimated that
figure will rise to $320 million. This agreement goes a long way to securing a bright future for the Northland tourism
industry and the people of the region,” Mr Horomia said.
Ends