Experienced tourism executive Geoff Rolleston (Ngāti Whakaue), and former chair of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, said the impact of a massive influx of visitors to Ngāmotu New Plymouth for the five-day Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga festival was obvious, judging by the sheer numbers of people in attendance.
Rolleston and his partner Jude Pani, along with approximately 150 other Ngāti Whakaue members have been staying in Ngāmotu for the week, often eating out, which contributes to the region’s economic gain.
On one night, there were 600 people who met for dinner at their hotel, he said.
The increased business was also flowing to supermarkets and service stations, and Rolleston said the presence of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga in the city was having a definite impact, with locals sharing their excitement with him about the event.
Hailing from Rotorua, Rolleston said Te Arawa was renowned for its tourism expertise and performance, with the city an iconic tourist destination for domestic and international visitors.
He said international tourism was back to about 85% of pre-Covid levels, which equated to 3.9 million visitors.
Rolleston said about a quarter of all international visitors spent at least one night in Rotorua during their stay, with Māori culture and its geothermal activity the biggest drawcards.
Rolleston believed the Taranaki region could definitely capitalise from the experience of hosting a unique event like Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga.
“I have absolutely no doubt that opportunities and development will bounce from here.”
The NZ Māori Tourism commissioned BERL to report on the value of Māori tourism, which highlighted how Māori tourism created jobs, fostered entrepreneurship, and provided a platform for Māori experiences, arts and crafts.
The results of this included opportunities for cultural revival, preservation and the self-determination by Māori, as well as an increased understanding of Māori culture.
Carl Ross Te Matatini Manahautū says “at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga we have many who have joined us from overseas including country ambassadors, indigenous peoples, volunteers, and audience members. And we have many from around the motu who have travelled to Ngāmotu to enjoy the Festival and everything the region has to offer.”
More information
• BERL (Business Economic and Research Limited) is the leading provider of a broad range of economic research, analysis, advice and consultancy for business enterprises, organisations, iwi, institutions, community groups, industry associations and public sector clients in New Zealand.
• NZ Māori Tourism report – The Value of Māori Tourism(external link)