JOINT FOREST-RAFTING VENTURE

Rafting New Zealand has entered into a joint venture with Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust (LRFT) of Ngāti Tūwharetoa – a move seen as a significant foray for the iwi into tourism, and LRFT’S first active tourism investment. The deal allows Rafting NZ to more than double in size – from approximately 12,000 customers per annum to 30,000 by year 2022. It will also help the business give visitors the best and most authentic experience possible.

Rafting NZ was founded in Turangi almost 30 years ago. Run by Kiwi couple Luke and Pianika Boddington, it prides itself on giving customers a true sense of New Zealand’s landscape along with its Maori heritage and culture. The business has won multiple awards, including five certificates of Excellence in a row from Tripadvisor between 2014-18.

Says MD Luke Boddington: “LRFT’S involvement will provide a multitude of benefits for customers, Turangi and the Tūwharetoa people. It aligns with both Rafting NZ and LRFT’S commitment to investing in the local Turangi community.

“We’re expecting an increase in customers as a result of our increased capacity and improved facilities. That will have an impact on the number of visitors staying and spending in Turangi and Taupo. It will also improve employment and training opportunities for locals. We’re looking to bring on at least 40 additional people by 2022.”

LRFT’S Tiwana Tibble says it makes sense to invest in Rafting NZ, which operates on the Tongariro River. This river connects two significant ‘taonga’ of Tuwharetoa, being the Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo.