There are more than 550 Māori rock art sites in Te Waipounamu, but their importance as part of New Zealand’s national heritage and identity is not well recognised.

But that’s about to change because Māori rock art is set to become a major attraction and at the same time gain more protection.

The establishment of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre is gaining momentum as the Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Trust moves into phase two of their strategic plan with the support of Te Puni Kōkiri.

“We are looking at developing a world-class attraction and to do that we have aimed high and looked at experts who are leaders in their fields to assist us,” says Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Trust curator Amanda Symon.

The Trust intends to house the Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre in Timaru, providing tourists with a venue to view these incredible drawings from early Māori inhabitants of Te Waipounamu.

The centre will be a multi-tiered state of the art facility that caters for several levels of visitor experience. It is designed to address key issues in the management and protection of Māori rock art, by raising awareness of its significance as part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage.

Cultural tourism has increased pressures on Māori rock art in Te Waipounamu, so the centre will assist in protecting this taonga from damage by removing the growing numbers of visitors to these fragile sites.

<“Te Puni Kōkiri has supported us with our feasibility study and business case, which has been very helpful,” says Amanda.

“The ongoing relationship with Te Puni Kōkiri will further assist us in the three key areas of market research, the second stage of concept development, and project management,” she says.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has recognised the potential in the idea and has also provided support as has Aoraki Development Corporation.