Te Puia | Responsible Tourism Statement

Responsible Tourism Statement

E kore e ngaro, te purapura i ruia mai i Rangiātea ( The seeds that were sown in Rangiātea will never be lost )

Explanation: ‘Seeds’ refer to traditional knowledge and customs of Māori which have been handed down through generations. The proverb emphasises the importance of retaining Māori heritage as a living culture. Like any seed, it requires care, protection and nurturing to ensure its continued life and wellbeing

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute was established by an Act of Parliament, mandated to train students, exhibit works and foster the art and craft skills of Māori culture. It was built in the reserve of Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, where guided tourism had been thriving for more than a century, and it had to be self-supporting. We are honoured to be the guardians of the Pohutu Geyser, gift of Te Pupu and Te Hoata.

A sample of some of the initiatives put into place includes:

• Installation of solar hot water

• Extensive recycling in place for both staff and visitors

• Recycling of natural resources for carving, weaving and kiwihouse

• Worm farms for our kiwihouse

• Staff have attended an Energywise Workshop

• Energy cost reductions by using eco-friendly light bulbs

• No toxic chemicals or weed-spraying used in the valley

• Operation Nest Egg in conjunction with Department of Conservation in place for the Kiwi bird

We are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Te Whakarewarewa Valley and also our mandated obligation to Māori arts and crafts.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this statement please contact us at: