Tourism and Maori development in Westland

Abstract

The main aim of this report is to provide an understanding of Maori tourism in order to enhance the ability of both new and established Maori tourist operators, their organisations and the wider Maori community to develop Maori tourism in ways that sustain Maori culture in a manner acceptable to Maori. To achieve this aim, the report has the following objectives: to document accurately the current state of Maori involvement in the tourism industry; to describe and interpret the perceptions that Maori have of tourism and how these have changed over time; to identify the current use of Maori culture as attractions; to record Maori responses to the changes in the relationship between themselves and the natural environment; and to identify barriers to Maori tourism development.