Minister warns against ‘tacky* tourist lures

Press, 1 September 1986, Page 8

Minister warns against ‘tacky* tourist lures

Wellington reporter Overseas tourists should not be allowed to swamp New Zealand’s culture and way of life, according to the Minister of Tourism, Mr Moore. He was speaking at a lecture series in Wellington associated with Te Maori exhibition. Tourism was a force for change and should work for a bicultural society. While New Zealand welcomed overseas visitors it should not let them run the place. “We don’t need a ticky tacky plastic tiki culture to woo visitors,” Mr Moore said. “If we open our doors to the quick entry, fast buck, quick exit brigade we may have a gold rush that leaves the place unfit for guests or

ourselves.” New Zealand had to keep something unique to offer its visitors. In some parts of the world tourism had shown no respect for local cultural values. Local culture had been used as a drawcard, and abused and cheapened in the process. That must not be allowed to happen here, he said. It could be avoided by moves to encourage skills among the artists and craftspeople of Maoridom.

Visitors should be given the chance to see museums and other attractions to learn about Maori and other cultures. A new museum needed to be set up devoted to Maori and Pacific Island art, Mr Moore said.