There was never any doubt that Māori arts and culture would be hugely successful at Waka Māori, and now it’s official.

An independent survey about to be released reports that Waka Māori attracted almost 400,000 visits by Kiwis and overseas visitors sampling “Māori Inc”. The survey also found that Waka Māori led to a direct spend by visitors of around $9m into the Auckland economy during Rugby World Cup.

"This kaupapa shows two things: first, that the Government was right to make this investment and, second, that the waka concept pitched by Ngāti Whātua was definitely the way to go," says Hon Dr Pita Sharples. “Not only did Waka Māori promote Māori Inc to a huge audience, it more than paid its own way. Our culture offers us a definite edge and that is something to celebrate."

The survey found that local and international visitors viewed Waka Māori as a celebration of the rich Māori culture and heritage, and a source of community pride. Matt Te Pou, former Māori All Black coach said: "[Waka Māori gave] all Māori an opportunity to showcase our people, our land, our culture and te reo".

Minister Sharples went on to say: "Waka Māori is an indication of how much we can achieve when we work together – Government with private enterprise, communities with business. I hope we build on this and see more of Waka Māori out there promoting Māori and New Zealand Inc – this kaupapa has been a tremendous success, as I knew it would".

To see the full report please go to www.tpk.govt.nz .