Ryan, Chris

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Maori and Tourism: A relationship of history, constitution and rites

Ryan, C. Maori and Tourism: A relationship of history, constitution and rites. Journal of sustainable tourism Vol. 5, No 4 1997.

link to pdf

Chris Ryan’s article describes developments in Maori tourism, and the political and ethical context it has in the Maori culture.

New Zealand is identified through the use of Maori images. The implications of this association has both good outcomes, such as generating income and employment for Maori, but also creates negative outcomes as Maori can become marginalised as being tourist entertainment. Over time, Maori culture has been narrowed to a few features as time passes, and the article states that we have to remember that there is more to the Maori culture than the Haka, to stop stereotyping the culture into a neat definition.

One of the issues discussed in the article was control. Ryan talked about Maori having control over their tourism attractions. This doesn’t mean that Pakeha aren’t allowed to have any say, but should be managed through schemes of partnership and co-operation between Maori and Pakeha. They do not want to become a tacky side show to NZ tourism. Tourism should recognise the values of Maori, and offer the visitor a full experience of the culture. Successful operations which are outlined are Marae stays and guided walks which inform visitors on otherwise unknown rituals and myths associated with Maori culture. If this doesn’t happen, effects will include:

• Dilution of Tikanga • Misuse of Taonga • Exploitation of Taonga through fake reproduction • Threat to ownership and control of Taonga o Acknowledge role of the Tangata Whenua within each region. o Develop standards of authenticity.

The article also examines the role of tourism in the Maori culture. Ryan says that Maori have realised tourism is a means of establishing significance for themselves in New Zealand. Maori are tribal people, and their first affiliation is to their Iwi. Not all Iwis are the same and by educating the visiting public on the difference between Iwis, can avoid stereotyping.

This article was quite long but gave a good insight into what to avoid, and what to include and think about when designing. What is special to Ngati Kahu that no other tribes share? What do they want to keep sacred to themselves, and what do they want to share with the public? The scheme we design should have an economic gain for the Marae, as it will employ Marae members, but should also recognise the values of the iwi and the Maori culture.