Maori culture ‘at risk in tide of tourism’

Press, 25 July 1985, Page 20

Maori culture ‘at risk in tide of tourism’

PA Wellington Maori culture is in danger of being washed over by the tide of tourism unless Maori people take charge of their own tourist developments, says the Secretary for Maori Affairs, Dr Tamati Reedy. “Today often in any of the developments which have gone on, we haven’t been engaged from the outset,” he said. A Maori tourism conference planned for September 25 to 27 in Rotorua would look at ways of protraying Maori culture to tourists through Maori eyes. “There are some who say keep Maoridom out of tourism,” Dr Reedy said, “but that is a head-in-the-sand attitude. It’s like saying I’m going to stop breathing.” Debate about the best methods for Maori tourist development was essential. The conference would examine a distinctively Maori approach to tourism based on the concept of manaaki-

tanga or hospitality, he said. This was more in keeping with Maori cultural views about the treatment of visitors and avoided the exploitive connotations of the word “tourism.” “The objectives of the conference are to identify the areas that Maoridom must involve itself in over the next five to 10 years if we are not to be washed away by the wave of tourism.” Those already in the industry would also have the opportunity to exchange ideas and develop strategies for a co-ordinated approach. A central body for the promotion of Maori tourism also was being considered, though this had yet to take shape, Dr Ready said. One of the most consistent criticisms of New Zealand he received from overseas tourists was the lack of opportunities to experience Maori culture. “Surely the whole Maori cultural aspect is something

Maoridom can better understand and prepare to present to the world at large." This did not mean that Maori tourist promoters should whitewash problems in new Zealand between Maori and non-Maori. Race relations was an issue which could not be dodged, he said. “We should try to present a balanced and open picture of how the country is. That requires good training. Our people have an important public relations role to play-” The conference would include Maori people already running tourist business, Maori organisations which could potentially develop tourist interests, and tourist bodies such as the Travel Association and the Tourist Industry Federation. The Maori Affairs Dept and the Tourist and publicity Department are sponsoring the conference.