Study affirms Māori tourism potential on West Coast

A newly released report on the economy of the West Coast region of New Zealand’s South Island outlines significant potential to attract new investment and diversify the economy.

The Tai Poutini West Coast Regional Growth Study identifies and explores opportunities to achieve growth in investment, incomes and employment in the region with tourism presenting the region’s major immediate opportunity for jobs.

The Report says the region needed to attract more domestic visitors, through developing more major attractions and products while commercialising more tourism experiences.

It also says that effective road and telecommunications networks would underpin this growth, with more investment needed in roads, ultra-fast broadband and mobile coverage.

The Report also notes that a new mix of funding options and mechanisms, such as charging visitors for experiences on conservation land, might be needed to capitalise on the tourism opportunity.

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell welcomed the release of a study of a region where Māori businesses are already key players.

Minister Flavell stated “Tai Poutini is an area where Māori are already important players in the local economy. Ngāi Tahu Holdings has several commercial interests in the region, particularly in tourism and forestry. Māwhera Incorporation has strategic commercial assets in Greymouth and is actively looking at investing in the region.

“Local iwi are involved in a number of social and regional development projects around the region and are important investors, with significant landholdings and interests in forestry, minerals, tourism, fishing, property, food and beverage, health, telecommunications and natural resources.”

Minister Flavell added that making the most of these strengths will require collaboration between business, iwi, central and local government.

The Tai Poutini West Coast Regional Growth Study was released as part of the New Zealand Government’s Regional Growth Programme.

Click here to view the Tai Poutini West Coast Regional Growth Study.

Image: Coastal scenery at Punakaiki.

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