Cultural tourism course inspires Mãori and Pasifika students

Unique cultural tourism course inspires Mãori and Pasifika students to success

The first ever Manaaki Tãpoi (cultural tourism) course for school pupils in New Zealand is transforming the learning experience for many students.
The seven-week course takes 16 and 17-year-olds out of the classroom to learn about the country’s burgeoning cultural tourism industry, and perhaps inspire them for a career in this expanding sector.
Students from schools across the top of the South Island and the West Coast focus on key elements of Mãori culture and how they can be marketed to international and national visitors. The course is delivered in a marae setting and in accordance with Mãori cultural practices.
A highlight of the seven-week, full-time course is a trip to Wellington to visit the capital city’s cultural highlights, which took place last week. The trip included a Waka tour, a private tour of Te Papa, and a briefing from New Zealand Māori Tourism’s Chief Advisor, Hoki-mai Chong.
The course is run by Whenua Iti Outdoor Education Centre in the Tasman region, in partnership with the Top of the South Trades Academy, the West Coast Trades Academy and the Ministry of Education.
Whenua Iti Outdoor Education Centre Manager Mark Bruce-Miller said: ‘The Manaaki Tãpoi course is incredibly exciting– something new, something different. Our young people get to see just how special cultural tourism is in New Zealand, the role they can play in it, and how education doesn’t have to be about sitting in a classroom.’
Participant Hannah Lowry (16) from Greymouth High School, said: You’re outside, hands on with people, you’re not stuck at a desk, you’re always communicating with people. All the activities like the waka, we don’t talk about it, we actually do it.’
The course has a 90% completion rate leading to a NCEA Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, with students who are often not achieving to their full potential in the classroom.
A total of 23 students graduated from the course on Friday 2nd September at Waikawa Marae, Picton.

ENDS

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