INSIDE TOURISM – CONFERENCE 2013 REPORT

Chief Executive of the Tourism Export CounciI, Lesley Immink was absolutely rapt with how well the delegates received our keynote speakers of Butch Bradley from NZ Maori Tourism and Ngahihi o t era Bidois with his leadership and personal story. “Our tourism marketing promise is promoting our scenic splendour to the world with some focus on Maori and in my opinion it should be the other way around – Maori first and the environment second. I have been impressed with team at NZ Maori Tourism and what they are trying to achieve and thought the contribution of Maori to the NZ economy should be better appreciated as well as tell the story of what they are doing offshore with other export trade sectors. More Maori product is being developed around the country and I wanted to demonstrate as Butch said that we need to change our thinking of who Maori are and look at their successes and future, not be stuck with assumptions of who we might think they are.

Ngahi like so many of our amazing exports is better known offshore for his leadership story than here in New Zealand. He delivered a powerful and thought provoking presentation and challenged us to look at ourselves for the answers to our own questions. Many delegates commented that the haka he and the Te Arawa boys performed at the end was the most heartfelt haka they had ever seen!

To finish with extra-ordinary artist Marcus Winter using sand and a lightbox doing a custom made performance representing icons of our country including being 100% Sure of our message, was mesmerising and incredible to witness. He didn’t have to be Maori but I was delighted he was and another amazing example of Maori talent.

Why was there more of an emphasis on Maori at this Conference – the question is surely 100% why not?”