Johnny Edmonds - CEO NZ Maori Tourism Council
Once New Zealand was seen as a highly desirable holiday destination because of its spectacular scenery. The scenery is still here, but now tourists want more, they want experiences rather than just destinations...
MAORI MARKet Media Resource (April 2007)
Johnny Edmonds - CEO NZ Maori Tourism Council
Once New Zealand was seen as a highly desirable holiday destination because of its spectacular scenery. The scenery is still here, but now tourists want more, they want experiences rather than just destinations.
There is no more authentic an experience of New Zealand than the experience of the Maori culture. It cannot be found anywhere else on the planet and that makes it a scarce, and precious resource. And as it is the world over, the best way to experience an indigenous culture is through its art.
This weekend MAORI MARKet showcases the very best, the cream of Maori artisans. 100 artists, many who have participated in high profile international exhibitions, will be showing and creating their works. This is the first time Maori artists have exhibited their work en masse – and so it is a rare opportunity for the public and tourists who are lucky enough to be passing through Wellington, to view the creative talent of Maori and experience the culture on a more intimate level.
CEO of New Zealand Maori Tourism Council Johnny Edmonds says Maori art plays a critical role in the new tourism – where visitors are wanting to experience the culture and engage with the people.
“Maori artists draw on their cultural background, their traditions and their ancestors when they produce their art, and in doing so they are sharing something of themselves, that enables visitors the opportunity of understanding the nature of Maori culture.”
“Some become interested in moving beyond the taonga and want to learn more about the culture – and that requires contact with the people. The art becomes the means of making this contact. It’s not about converting each other, it’s about sharing and understanding each other.”
“Maori tourism is about whanau who have made a deliberate choice to share something of themselves and their culture with visitors.”
NZ Maori Tourism Council’s regional representatives will be present at MAORI MARKet, promoting Maori tourist operators and their businesses throughout the country.
“Many are family based businesses and all manner of experiences are available, from passive to active. Maori culture, through tourism is being expressed through a wide variety of activities.”
“Art is absolutely the greatest strength in facilitating early contact with the culture – and MAORI MARKet will be a unique opportunity to see the artists at work and to hear tourist operator representatives from the different regions sharing information about how to engage with Maori.”
ENDS