A new indigenous programme is unveiling regenerative tourism opportunities in the Bay of Plenty.

Eleven Coastal Bay of Plenty tourism businesses are hosting a group of Aboriginal youth as part of an ambitious new cultural exchange programme that is transforming lives and putting regenerative tourism into action.

Tourism Bay of Plenty is a key partner in the Native Nations – Tracing Indigenous Footsteps programme, which has already seen a 16-member contingent of New Zealanders engage with several Aboriginal communities in the Australian state of Victoria during an eight-day trip last month.

Now it’s the Bay of Plenty’s turn to host, with a group of 10 Aboriginal youth and six leaders embarking on a nine-day tour of local tourism businesses to learn more about Māori practices, to understand and celebrate the similarities and differences between each of their indigenous cultures, and to explore how that resonates on an individual level.

Mary Tolley, Head of Destination Management at Tourism Bay of Plenty, says the programme is “powerful and inspiring” and shows that the region is at the forefront of New Zealand’s shift towards regenerative tourism, which aims to add long-lasting value by prioritising people and culture.

“I was fortunate to be part of the initial Australian leg of the Native Nations programme and it was such a deep and rich journey of discovery and connection," says Mary.

"Our region now has the chance to reciprocate and I’m really proud of the calibre of the Māori tourism operators who have agreed to be involved."

Māori and Aboriginal youth on both sides of the Tasman were invited to apply for the initial programme.

“We’re starting in a very authentic way - connecting rangatahi to their history and learning each other’s stories to help them understand who they are, where they are from, and why their stories need to be heard.

"A Māori film director is following this journey, capturing the power of regenerative tourism products through our young people’s eyes and their response."

The Bay of Plenty itinerary includes time with the people of Ngāti Manawa on tribal land, spending a night in the ancient Whirinaki Forest, learning about oyster harvesting, paddling a waka ama - group canoe, and jet skiing across Tauranga Harbour.

“This programme will, in turn, strengthen the region’s tourism offerings. It will lead to more enriching visitor experiences and will ensure the benefits of tourism are more effectively shared by different communities.

"We expect international visitors will start following these same footsteps in the upcoming season, starting in Octoberr."

Native Nations founder Nadine Toe Toe is the Director of Kohutapu Lodge and Tribal Tours in Murupara. Her dedication to supporting and promoting her local community has seen her earn several national tourism awards over the past few years.

“International travel allows us to plant seeds and open minds - it helps to break cycles and inspire change in young people’s lives, whilst providing deep cultural connections with tangata whenua, culture, food, and the land or nature,” says Nadine.

“Sharing these experiences provides a platform for healing. We’re seeking to empower our indigenous youth as ambassadors of regenerative tourism by inspiring them to become custodians of the land, culture, and traditions.

"We’re forging a path towards a more sustainable future, where tourism leaves a positive footprint.”

Major sponsors such as NZ Māori Tourism, ANZCRO, Flight Centre, and Intrepid Travel are helping to fund the first cultural exchange and Mary says this support signals the tourism sector’s belief in the Native Nations programme and its potential.

“We’re keen to see how this will quickly evolve. There’s huge demand around the globe for culturally sustainable tourism experiences right now.

"As a Destination Management Organisation, it’s our job to support indigenous communities and businesses to understand the importance and value of what they can offer, and to help them share that in an enriching and authentic way.”

Coastal Bay of Plenty businesses involved August 31 - September 8 2023

Kohutapu Lodge

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

Ōmataroa Eco Tours

Tio Ōhiwa – Ōhiwa Oyster Farm

Muirs Tours

Travel Ed

Armitage Hotel

Mauao Adventures

Aqua 360

Izakai Bar & Eatery

The Cargo Shed

Supported by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

Tourism Bay of Plenty

Tourism Bay of Plenty is the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) and Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Te Moananui ā Toi, the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Tourism Bay of Plenty region includes the city of Tauranga which features the iconic Mauao, and a series of coastal and horticultural towns situated alongside 125km of Pacific Ocean coastline. These towns include Waihī Beach, Katikati, Papamoa, Te Puke, Whakatāne and Ōhope.

The goal of Tourism Bay of Plenty is to preserve the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s unique identity, enhance visitor experiences, and increase investment and supply, whilst also ensuring that visitor-related developments complement the interests of local residents and communities.

Tourism Bay of Plenty is committed to ensuring that the organisation and region continue the journey towards becoming wholly regenerative. That means focusing on how tourism can give back to the community and environment, whilst also having a positive economic impact. Tourism Bay of Plenty's Destination Management Plan, Te Hā Tāpoi, provides further information about regenerative tourism.