Cross cultural alliance paves way for new West Coast heritage tour
06 Sep 2007
A fledgling bi-cultural partnership will open the door to unique cultural experiences in the traditional home of Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) - the West Coast of the South Island.
West Coast tour company Kea West Coast Tours and local tribal authority Te Runanga O Ngati Waewae Inc. have joined forces to provide heritage tours of the greater West Coast region with a strong Maori focus.
Both parties are keen to teach visitors about the regions cultural heritage. A major focus will be the story of Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) and the traditional significance of the stone to West Coast Maori.
Kea West Coast Tours are launching the 'Te Ara Pounamu' tour in January 2008. The tour will trace the path of some of the greenstone trails from the West Coast to Otago and include an authentic and fully interpreted visit to the marae at Arahura. Small groups will enable visitors to closely interact with their host getting a better understanding of issues from a Maori perspective.
Kea Tours owner/operators, Matt and Linda Lysaght say they're excited about the partnership because it has the potential to create real opportunities for both parties. "It will offer a rich and interesting dimension to the unique West Coast story, as well as the commercial opportunities this relationship may provide for both parties benefit"
A trial visit to Arahura earlier this year was well received. One satisfied participant commented:
"Ben (Ngati Waewae elder, Ben Hutana) said a karakia to start, which was amazing and we all found it to be a very special and moving introduction. I learned so much about the real history of the West Coast Maori during our visit. It was a great experience."
The Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae Executive say the joint venture with Kea Tours is a great way of providing future training opportunities in cultural tourism for tangata whenua (local Maori).
Further information:
Matt Lysaght
Owner, Kea West Coast Tours
Phone: +64 3 768 9292
matt@keatours.co.nz
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