Tourists listen out for te reo
Tourism operators are speaking more te reo and most visitors from overseas are loving it.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said Air New Zealand was a leader in making greater use of Ma¯ ori language.
‘‘Having your staff use a little bit of the language and getting to the point where it’s natural, not forced or put on [is the aim]. It’s not hard to say ‘mo¯ rena’, rather than ‘good morning’.’’
Roberts said the visitor response to te reo was overwhelmingly positive, with rare exceptions.
‘‘Some Australian visitors still can demonstrate that they’re a long way behind us in their cultural understanding at times … They just don’t get it. In those cases we need to explain to visitors what’s happening and why it’s culturally appropriate.’’
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) changed its name from the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand more than two years ago, and Roberts said the rebranding was a statement about the importance of Ma¯ ori culture.
‘‘Of course we have fantastic mountains, lakes and beaches, but so do many, many other destinations around the world; what we have that’s unique is that indigenous culture.’’
Manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga have been widely adopted as guiding principles for the industry.
‘‘We don’t have words in English that are as good as these two words in terms of describing the tourism industry, which is all about manaakitanga – showing great hospitality and generosity to our visitors – and maintaining kaitiakitanga – guarding and protecting our natural and cultural resources.’’
Last week TIA adopted a policy to step up the organisation’s use of te reo, including board members and staff learning a waiata they will sing at an industry summit in November.
Real Journeys chief executive Richard Lauder believes industry efforts to sustain the culture are essential. ‘‘It’s got to a tipping point, where if you’re not doing it you are not culturally sensitive.’’
Real Journeys has been on its own cultural journey. Cardrona ski field workers are now welcomed with a powhiri at the beginning of the ski season, with Lauder doing a mihi (greeting).
He said staff were consulted about using more te reo and it was up to individuals to decide how far to take it.
‘‘It’s not compulsory but it is strongly encouraged.’’
Guides on the company’s kiwi encounter on Stewart Island began the tour with a karakia and visitors loved it.
‘‘It’s more spiritual than religious, but it’s noticeable how quiet the group becomes, and how it’s a moment of reverence,’’ Lauder said.