11 April 2002

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon. Parekura Horomia, welcomed today’s signing of a tourism partnership agreement between the Tai Tokerau Maori & Cultural Tourism Association and Destination Northland Ltd.

Mr Horomia said the signing of the tourism agreement between Tai Tokerau Maori & Cultural Tourism Association and Destination Northland Ltd is a significant event. It represents the first attempt to formally define a working relationship between a regional tourism organisation and a Maori regional tourism group, he said.

“This initiative links directly with the New Zealand Tourism Strategy which recommended that Maori partner with Regional Tourism Organisations on regional planning and development, destination marketing and destination management.

“This agreement is a practical demonstration of the partnership expressed in the Treaty of Waitangi. It shows that both parties have come together to bring about the economic and cultural well-being of all the peoples of Tai Tokerau Northland through the development and marketing of the region and its tourism industry,” Mr Horomia said.

Mr Horomia said tourism is a vitally important contributor to Northland’s economic development. The agreement signed by Tai Tokerau Maori & Cultural Tourism Association and Destination Northland will ensure sustainable management of tourism as a resource for Northland people into the future.

“In 2000, it is estimated international visitors alone spent $185 million in Northland. By 2007 it is estimated that figure will rise to $320 million. This agreement goes a long way to securing a bright future for the Northland tourism industry and the people of the region,” Mr Horomia said.

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