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He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero.
What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication.
International guest speaker -
Heather Rae
The World Indigenous Tourism Summit is delighted to welcome guest speaker Heather Rae. Of Cherokee descent Heather is a twenty-year veteran of the film industry, as a producer, director and actress with a strong record in Native and other independent film.
Acknowledged as a skilled storyteller Heather will share her experiences of the power of storytelling and the importance of passing on not only the history and teachings of our ancestors but also historical events told from our own narratives.
Make the most of your time in Aotearoa
Waitangi, where the Summit is taking place, is one of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. As part of the Summit programme you will have the opportunity to experience a pōwhiri (welcome) at the Treaty Grounds and be invited to explore the marae, museum and waka on-site. If you like exploring, follow the marked path opposite the Treaty Grounds, through the forest, and check out the impressive Haruru Falls.
Take advantage of the earlybird registration now but before you book your flights, consider extending your visit to enjoy what Northland has to offer. Short visits from Waitangi are recommended to:
Paihia: a beautiful, beach side stroll from the Hotel. Swim with dolphins, go fishing or picnic on the beach.
Russell: hop on a ferry and stay an hour or all day.
Kerikeri: plan additional time on your way in or out of the airport so you can have a look around this rich and colourful town.
If you are able to venture further afield in Northland, drive two hours to Cape Reinga to experience the meeting of two oceans (the departing place of the spirits in Māori legend) or head across to the Hokianga to meet the 2,000 year old Kauri tree - Tane Mahuta – the majestic lord of the Waipoua Kauri Forest.
We are working with Northland Māori tourism experiences to provide a range of famil options for Summit delegates and their families. Keep an eye on the website and future emails for details on how to book these.
What is the value of indigenous tourism?
Immediately following the WIT Summit is a Research Symposium themed around Making Research a Springboard and not an Anchor. This symposium will feature a mix of presentations and a facilitated co-production workshop to agree on terms of reference to measure the value of indigenous tourism. Express your interest in attending the Symposium at Hopuhopu in Hamilton as part of your Summit registration. Limited spaces available!
Participants at the Summit will have a rare opportunity to witness the presentation of a mauri (life force) stone to the host partner of the 2020 Summit.
The stone is greenstone and the Māori word for the stone is pounamu. Pounamu is highly prized and treasured by Māori because of its deep spiritual significance, protection and security of the life-force and in this context the Larrakia Declaration. It can only be sourced in the South Island of New Zealand and the ownership of pounamu is vested with the South Island tribe Ngāi Tahu.
The mauri stone will travel with the Hosts of future Summits.
Further details about the programme and additional information is available on the WIT Summit website or by contacting the Summit Manager
The World Indigenous Tourism Summit (WITS) 2018 is proudly hosted by the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA) and New Zealand Māori Tourism
