New Tourism Support Services Manager

MITR is pleased to announce the appointment Mereheni Meads to the TSSM role. She will be dedicated to broadening engagement and understanding of the Maori tourism /business offering in Rotorua and across the central north Island.

Mereheni comes from a business background including finance, HR and management. With six years of senior management in a cultural tourism product she has gained a thorough understanding of the tourism industry and the unique challenges facing Maori business

Ko Mereheni Meads toku ingoa

I was born and educated right here in Rotorua. My husband Wade and I believe it’s the best place to be raising our little girl Kennedy. With the culture, the lakes, the forests, the activities and of course the people it is the best place to call home.

The opportunity to work with MITR members to develop opportunities and capability is hugely exciting and something I’m very much looking forward to. Over the coming months I’ll be out and about meeting members and working on your behalf. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Email:     info.mitr@xtra.co.nz                     Phone:      (07) 3490 972

Website:   www.nzmaoritourism.com           Fax:          (07) 3490 971        

Josie hangs up her poi

At 11 years of age Josie Scott performed in the first hotel concert at the former Brents Hotel as part of the St Faith’s Youth Club. No ticket price was charged, only donations taken for the restoration of the church and Te Amorangi.

Since then she has performed in every hotel cultural group in Rotorua, including Okawa Bay, The Blue Baths, Event Impressions and Treetops Lodge The last 14 years, in partnership with Polly Hepi, she has been running the Matariki Cultural Group and for 10 years the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institutes lunchtime concerts too.

Whilst Josie is currently relaxing and enjoying the freedom of retirement, she intends to volunteer her guiding services t the Rotorua Museum and perhaps some private guiding too.

Farewell to The Don

One of Rotorua's most respected residents, Don Stafford, passed away this month. Dr Stafford was the city's official historian and a man who bridged both Maori and European worlds. In fact he was regarded as Rotorua's Pakeha kaumatua.

 Dr Stafford, thank you for your understanding and passion for both Rotorua and its people. You will be sadly missed but not forgotten.

Waiariki Supports Foundation Learning in the Workplace

In 2009, Waiariki enrolled 120 employees across 9 businesses into its Workplace Literacy Program. Some employees even moved on to further learning in computing and Tourism Management.

There are 150 places available this year, at no cost, focused on foundation learning. Waiariki will customise a program to suit your business and its needs. So get in touch if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to improve the capability of your staff.  

 Rotorua Passport and the RWC 2011  

The countdown to the 9 September 2011 opening match between the All Blanks and Tonga at Eden Park is well under way. Rotorua has secured 3 pool matches on the 10th, 14th and 25th of September 2011.

MITR is working with member business NZ Sports Academy and other local stakeholders in the creation of the Kia Ora Rotorua Passport. Visitors (international, domestic and local) will have the opportunity to experience our tourism offering, compete in challenges, attend a kiwiana evening with great entertainment and participate in performing what will potentially be "the largest Haka gathering" ever in New Zealand. 

We will be encouraging member involvement in this event around the Tribal Rugby Festival and throughout the RWC. We will keep you updated on this or contact Mereheni if you would like further details. Check out  www.tribalrugby2011.co.nz

Trans Tasman Flights

December 2009 finally saw the first Trans Tasman flight from Sydney to Rotorua.  To date the service has been well supported but it is important that this continues over the forthcoming off peak period.

Perhaps during this time you might want to plan a business or leisure trip to Sydney. Or if you intend going to the Gold Coast or Brisbane, look at flying Rotorua to Sydney and then pick up a domestic flight - there are some very good deals for flying within Australia. And why not encourage family and friends across the ditch to visit NZ, using Rotorua as their Gateway.

Whakarewarewa Celebrates their Legacy of Guiding

On the 1st of April, over 170 people gathered in front of Wahiao Meeting House to attend a dawn ceremony in recognition of all the extraordinary individuals who have guided through the village and valley of Te Whakarewarewa.  The unveiling of the stone and plaque on this day was also significant given it was 100 years exactly when the official guide registrations were introduced by the Tourist Publicity Department.  

The unveiling was stage one and there are two more stages of celebrations to go says CEO Grace Neilson.  Whakarewarewa is working alongside koeke, families, businesses and other community groups to establish a permanent showcase where we can share this wonderful history and story which began in the 1840's.  The showcase will be free and will be opened in June 2010.  The third stage will be the Guide Training Programme and License which will be launched at the end of this year.  

Where Worlds Collide

Seismic Gastrobar sits opposite the Village Green and Lakefront. It makes the perfect place for locals and visitors alike to experience the art of good eating and the enjoyment of NZ beverages.

Why not get a team together for Tuesday Quiz nights (starting April 20th) or enjoy the pint hour everyday from 5-7pm – they are the biggest pint’s in town. For further specials including daily offers visit  www.seismicgastrobar.co.nz

News in Brief

Kia Ora Information Centre

The little whare at the Rotorua Lakefront has seen another summer season. The foundation has been set to grow this venture for the next summer season, with the aim of self sufficiency and growth in sales of members’ products. 

Tourism Maori Mentoring Programme

Haka World & Tribal Lights will be 2 of 8 businesses from around the country participating in a TRENZ workshop that is geared towards helping Maori businesses participate in what is NZ's largest tourism event.   This opportunity has come via the Maori Tourism Mentoring Programme of which MITR was involved with in the early stages.

Te Puia CEO Steps Down                                       

For the last 3 years Te Taru White has steered Te Puia through a significant period of change, and lead the organization to a position of credible stand locally, nationally and throughout the world. He will work through to 13 June 2010 while a process of replacement is undertaken.

World Geothermal Congress in Bali

There will be over 2000 delegates attending the annual geothermal conference in Bali next week.  Scientists from all over the world will be congregating to talk about geothermal fields and sustainability.  It is the first time indigenous groups have been invited to speak, with Grace Neilson from Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours and Pia Pohatu from Te Puia Springs expected to participate.  

Oscar Joins HSI Board

MITR Chairman Oscar Nathan is one of three new appointments to the Board of the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) - the industry training organisation for hospitality in New Zealand.  Board chair Carol Stigley said “HSI is about growing talent in New Zealand hospitality and we welcome leaders from across the sector who can help take us forward in that mission.”