Māori tourism businesses are reporting that a targeted government funding boost is assisting their post-pandemic recovery.
Last year the government announced funding support of $15 million to be delivered over two years. The goal of the fund is to safeguard the businesses of Māori tourism operators in the short term, and to help them prepare for the future. So far, roughly 400 businesses have received targeted support through the fund.
A spokesperson for Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, said, “The Tāpoi Business Support Programme has provided timely, direct support for operators. Marketing remains the most in-demand service, as operators get ready to welcome visitors.
“The programme also provides expertise and assistance to help businesses in complying with things like health and safety changes.
Lee-Anne Jago, co-owner of the tourism business Waka Abel Tasman, was one of the recipients of the funding. When the flow of international visitors stopped, she said that the funding enabled the business to focus on cultural education for schools and corporate events.
However, she now feels more positive about the future of the business.
“We’ve got some optimism going into the next tourism season. We’ve already had some international visitors engage with us. Last week, we had our first international family. We feel like the horizon line has really changed for us and it’s opening up.”
