Māori Language Commission to celebrate 30th anniversary

This week marks 30 years since the establishment of the Māori Language Commission, but its CEO says the future of the language is still up in the air. 

The Commission was established in 1987 and Sir Timoti Karetu was appointed its first commissioner. Since then, we have seen the emergence of the language to our TV screens, but Apanui says there is still work to be done, “We all know that the Māori is still in the balance. About 20% of Māori can speak Māori. We want that number to increase. We need that number to increase.”  

Commercial Advisors Scheme

The scheme funds Māori collectives up to $60,000 to work with a Commercial Advisor for up to 18 months. The advisors offer professional business advice and mentoring as they work with collectives on business development projects aimed at realising the potential commercial value of the collective’s assets.

The scheme is open to collectives at a range of stages of commercial development, from initial options analyses and feasibility studies, through to business case development, strategic planning, or market analysis and expansion. It also supports collectives with assets from a wide range of primary and other sectors.

The Commercial Advisors Scheme is open to Māori collectives, including trusts, incorporations, post-settlement governance entities and similar organisations. Coalitions of collectives may also apply. Applications close 11 September.

TIA State of the Tourism Industry Survey

What is the current state of the tourism industry in Aotearoa New Zealand? TIA would like to hear your thoughts on the last 12 months and what the key issues are for our industry.

This year TIA is partnering with WelTec to deliver a new approach to tell the story of tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The survey should take 10-15 minutes, depending on how much comment you wish to provide. 

Workshops: Crafting your NZ Story

Every NZ business has a unique story to tell. As a progressive nation of creative idea-makers, delivering new solutions whilst always caring for people and place, New Zealand stands out from the rest of the world. These workshops are designed to help you bring your New Zealandness to life and leverage the reason why so many markets consider our products and services above others.

The workshops (valued at $650) are free and facilitated by experienced design coaches. They will challenge you to not only think differently about your business, but equip you with a way to define your offering using a simple, value-based chapter framework.

Each workshop is busy, taking up only two and half hours, and attended by business owners or marketing communications managers within a business. Workshops fill up fast and spaces are limited.

Rotorua is set to become New Zealand's first official bilingual city

The Rotorua Lakes Council voted unanimously in support of the proposal on Thursday.

Mayor Steve Chadwick said becoming the country's first bilingual city is a natural fit.

"We were moving in this direction anyway- we're a top tourism destination and we have a very strong bilingual community; the next step is to tell our stories."

"It's much more than a symbol for us - the heartland of Māoridom."

New Zealand Tourism Awards

The New Zealand Tourism Awards will be celebrated with a black tie Awards Dinner at 6pm on 7 September, at the Air Force Museum, Christchurch. Finalists will be recognised, winners be announced and the recipient of the coveted Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award revealed.

This is also an opportunity for the New Zealand tourism industry to come together and celebrate the successes of outstanding organisations and individuals.

The Awards Dinner is open for all to attend.