Rethinking Maori tourism

Abstract

This paper seeks a conceptual clarification of "Maori tourism" from a values-based perspective. While useful as a tool for measuring Maori involvement in tourism, the majority of existing definitions have failed to incorporate unique Maori cultural values and have not been derived from an approach that is culturally acceptable to Maori. Yet, a values-based definition is important for the protection and development of cultural values, as well as for the support and promotion of sustainable Maori self-determined tourism development. To this end, the notion of "Maori-centred tourism" is introduced. "Maori-centred tourism" is founded on a list of specific cultural values identified through empirical investigation using a Kaupapa Maori research approach and evidence from Kaupapa Maori development models. Maori-centred tourism values identified from the research findings were: Wairuatanga (state of being spiritual), Whanaungatanga (relationship or kinship), Nga matatini Maori (Maori diversity), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Manaakitanga (warm hospitality), Tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), Kotahitanga (unity or solidarity), Tuhuno (principle of alignment), Purotu (principle of transparency) and Puawaitanga (principle of best outcomes). While this list of values should not be seen as exhaustive and they will be subject to further review and evaluation by Maori, effectively this creates a basis for a Maori-centred tourism business ethic based on values important to Maori.

Indigenous tourism research, past and present: where to from here?

“…However, there are exceptions: a body of work examined issues surrounding Maori tourism (Bremner, 2013;Carr, 2004;McIntosh & Zahra, 2007;McIntosh, Zygadlo, & Matunga, 2004;Orams, 2002), demand Ryan & Higgins, 2006;Ryan & Pike, 2003), post-colonialism and tourism promotion (Amoamo & Thompson, 2010) and Maori tourism businesses (Barnett, 2001). While the research was emerging, Maori tourism in New Zealand was expanding from 2000 onwards as a result of collaborative work between government and various Maori tourism stakeholders.…”

Langkah strategis pengembangan indigenous tourism: Studi kasus di Kabupaten Kepulauan Selayar

“…Suku Maori adalah suku pribumi yang mendiami negara tersebut yang masih ada (eksis) hingga saat ini. New Zealand menjadikan kebudayaan suku Maori sebagai penunjang utama pariwisata negara tersebut (Amoamo & Thompson 2010, Cukier & Haas 2000, Dwyer 2012, McIntosh et al 2004. Dalam konteks Indonesia dan Sulawesi Selatan secara khusus, suku Bugis, Makassar dan Toraja dapat dikatakan sebagai suku asli atau indigenous people Sulawesi Selatan yang kemudian menjadi potensi kepariwisataan Sulawesi Selatan.…”

The Maori of Tourist Brochures Representing Indigenousness

“…In the case of the Maori, this emphasis implies an ethnographic interest for and admiration of Maori warriors that can be dated back to the Enlightenment (Ryan, 2002) and which continued through the 19th century (King, 2003). This image of fierce warriors and certain selected features of Maori culture have also shown a high degree of persistency even if they have been influenced by the involvement in tourism (McIntosh et al, 2004;Neich, 1983;Ryan, 1997;Ryan & Crotts, 1997). Ryan (1997: 260) points out the haka (the war dance), the poi (women's dance with feathers), and the wero (the ritual challenge with grimacing face, tongue poking out and rolling eyes) as themes that have remained constant on postcard pictures for the last 40 years.…”