MAHI TAAPOI
Sustainable Tourism Development
Kupe Waka Centre: John, Peter and Murray completed a business case for the Kupe Waka Centre at Doubtless Bay for Arawai Ltd. The Centre was intended to celebrate Maori traditions in ocean sailing and generate revenue through tourism and education to support cultural development, voyaging, waka construction, and a range of programmes targeting disadvantaged youth. The Centre was based on the enormous contribution to waka of Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi. While a powerful concept, the project was unable to secure sufficient funding to enable it to proceed in the economic downturn. More>>
Projects
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Mahi Taapoi is the specialist tourism development arm of Dialogue Consultants Ltd, Auckland and Wellington, Aotearoa-New Zealand
A selection of projects undertaken by Mahi Taapoi is set out below:
Cook Islands Tourism Strategy: Peter undertook a review and update of the Cook Islands Tourism Master Plan which was prepared in 1991 with John undertaking the industry analysis. Peter prepared a new national tourism strategy for the Cook Islands based on geotourism principles which are closely aligned with the eco-cultural style of tourism that Mahi Taapoi has implemented through a range of projects. The choice of the term “geotourism” for this eco-cultural based strategy, was primarily because of the synergy between the concept and what is needed in terms of tourism development in the Cook islands if it is to benefit the country as a whole. There is also enormous benefit to be gained from aligning with National Geographic in its promotion of sustainable destinations. The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Wilkie Rasmussen signed the Geotourism Charter on behalf of the Cook Islands making it the first Pacific Country to join the programme. More>>
Aitutaki Tourism Strategy: Peter working with Roger Malcolm of Atiu undertook an analysis of five questions on tourism development of Aitutaki, Cook Islands. The research answered the questions and recommended specific actions to the Outer Island Development Grant Fund Committee. Particular emphasis was placed in developing the recommendations on supporting the strategy for tourism development on Aitutaki developed in 1994 which sought development that is economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound.
Matakana Island Tourism Product Option Analysis: John and Peter assessed the tourism development options for Matakana Island in the Bay of Plenty. An ecotourism approach to tourism development on the Island was recommended. The implication was that rather than developing new facilities or attractions (for which there was no capital) the local trust would concentrate on attracting small group tours interested in the locals, their lifestyle, and what was there now on the Island.
Eco-lodge Development: John, Peter and Murray undertook a feasibility study of an accommodation development of land at the southern end of the Pouto Peninsula. The eco-lodge style of development was designed to blend into the local topography and provide a base for eco-cultural activities in this rich, diverse but little known area. While the business case was sound, it was not possible for the proponents to put in place suitable financing arrangements.
Rodney District Tourism Strategy: Peter worked with the Council and the tourism industry in Rodney District to prepare a local cluster-based tourism strategy for the District with a proposal for a new destination tourism organisation. The aim was to bring together the fragmented industry in the district with the Council through the preparation of a strategic plan with defined responsibilities for both parties. Clustering was used to build on the strengths of the localities and special interests, including wine, heritage, and environment.
Maori tourism business development: John, Peter and Murray undertook a feasibility study for a Trust looking at the opportunities to develop a tourism operation on the Whanganui River, with potential to link to papakainga housing development. The product was designed to build on the Iwi’s exisiting training proggramme in canoe construction and on aspirations for resettling long-abandoned kaianga on the Whanganui River.
Maori Tourism Cluster Development: Peter and John facilitated the development of a cluster of Maori tourism operators (the New Zealand Maori Tourism Society) based in the central North Island. The project, which was part-funded by Industry New Zealand, applied the wide-ranging experience in cluster and business development Peter and John have built up over the years and followed three years of working with the Tai Tokerau Maori Tourism Association.
Rawhiti Pre-feasibility Study: John and Peter undertook a pre-feasibility assessment which looked at the tourism development options for a whanau trust with coastal land holdings at Rawhiti in the eastern Bay of Islands. The analysis identified a potential business opportunity which could link closely with another tourism operator in the Bay to create bundled accommodation and activity products to their mutual benefit.
Wairakei Terraces is a new geothermal attraction at Wairakei where a Maori group are creating a cultural experience in a unique setting. Using silica-rich fluids from the geothermal field, a new set of pink and white terraces are growing daily on the site. Peter and John have assisted the owners in refining the product, by advising on marketing, and by preparing a trade manual and consumer map.
Māori Tourism Business faciliation: The Māori Tourism Business Facilitation Service was an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and was administered by Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry of Māori Development. The programme was designed to improve the performance and quality of individual businesses within the Māori tourism sector so that the quality of the tourism experience meets or exceeds the expectations of their visitors. Peter was appointed to the small team of specialist business assessors. Peter assessed a series of businesses including a tour operator, an island resort, a retail crafts store, an orchard, an arts trust, and a cafe specialising in contemporary Maori food. More>>
Māori Tourism Marketing Strategy: John and Peter working with Chellie Spiller undertook a critical analysis of the issues related to the relatively poor performance of many Māori tourism businesses. The review identified the positive aspects of the national focus on the Interactive Traveller and the inclusion of Māori values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga as underpinnings of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy. The review highlight the central issue in marketing of Māori tourism as the dominance of supply-side thinking. The report advocated a systematic redirection based on reframing, re-aligning and realising a values-based approach to Māori tourism development with the goal that Māori tourism business development should become an integral part of the offer to all Interactive Travellers. More>>
Island Host Model: Based in large part on Peter’s experience with community based tourism in the Cook Islands and John’s work as a developer of cultural tourism business, Peter and John developed the “Island Host model” for tourism development in communities new to tourism with limited access to funding for capiatl investment. The model integrates themes from the “Interactive Traveller” style of target marketing with a practical approach to delivery logistics which stresses collaboration amongst suppliers. Click here for slideshow
