The Māori tourism industry recently launched a marketing initiative, ke Manaaki Card, that aims to inject more than one million dollars back into Māori tourism annually. The Manaaki Card is not only a phone card for national or international calls, but also has more than $1,200 worth of offers and discounts from the best of Māori tourism operators nationwide.

“When visitors purchase the card, it opens up to them a fantastic world of more than 50 Qualmarked Māori tourism operators and Toi Iho-licensed Māori artists from all over the motu,” says Associate Minister of Tourism the Hon Nanaia Mahuta.

Māori tourism operators are involved in all aspects of tourism including corporate investments by iwi, whānau-run businesses and more. Visitors can now gain unique insights into Māori history and culture as they travel throughout New Zealand. These experiences can range from horse treks, waka rides, guided walks, traditional hāngi and concerts, and marae visits, to hotel stays and a whole lot more.

“Traditional Māori knowledge makes us attractive to world travellers and mātauranga Māori is how we engage with people from other cultures and allow them to experience the Māori world,” says the Hon Nanaia Mahuta.

“It is what my colleague the Hon Parekura Horomia (Minister of Māori Affairs) often refers to as the ‘X’-factor in our national identity and it is what the savvy international visitor hopes to experience when they come to Aotearoa.”

The Manaaki Card is an initiative of the Te Waipounamu Māori Regional Tourism Organisation (MRTO), a member of the New Zealand Māori Tourism Council. The Manaaki Card is supported by some key partners, including TelstraClear, AA Tourism, Intercity Group, Qualmark, Toi Iho, Maui, Britz and Backpacker campervans and others. Te Puni Kōkiri has been instrumental in brokering relationships, providing support for collateral development and more.

The cards can be purchased through the participating Māori tourism operators, AA Travel outlets, major airports and through other retail outlets. For up-to-date information on the Manaaki Card and the operators involved, please check out the website www.manaaki.co.nz or contact Manaaki Tourism Ltd on 04 499 0913 or by email info@manaaki.co.nz.