8. KELVIN DAVIS (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Tourism
Does he stand by his statement that “New Zealand has some big competitive advantages” in tourism including “our unique Māori culture and its stories”?
Rt Hon JOHN KEYHow is the Minister demonstrating the competitive advantages of our unique Māori culture and its stories if Māori are barely represented in an event as significant as the REAL New Zealand Showcase?
Because the Government is spending $4.5 million on the development of the Māori tourism action plan. The Government is spending $2 million on the pavilion, actually, which I know that members on the other side are deeply opposed to. But also occurring during the Rugby World Cup is a huge number of events around New Zealand where Māori are participating and, if the member wants me to, then I am more than happy to table that enormous list of events. Just to give him a flavour for some that are occurring, there is a Māori arts market in Porirua and a tribal rugby festival in Rotorua. There is just a whole bunch of them; I am more than happy to table that document.
Why, aside from a few brown-faced waiters and a bit of music, did Māori and Māori tourism have no significant presence at the launch of the REAL New Zealand Showcase?
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I noticed that you were straining to hear. I think we were straining to hear, as well, and we are not very far away from the member.
Mr SPEAKERI will invite the member to repeat his question and, although members may not have liked it, the question must be heard as long as it is in order.
Why, aside from a few brown-faced waiters and a bit of music, did Māori and Māori tourism have no significant presence at the launch of the REAL New Zealand Showcase?
I will repeat what I said earlier, that during the Rugby World Cup 2011 festival there will be many events. The REAL New Zealand Showcase is by sector, and Māori are an important part of each of those sectors and play a part in them. If the member wants to have a chance on what is obviously his attempt to get his profile up before the by-election, he should ask better questions.
There will be no comment. The member should reflect on the question he asked. I invite him to do that, and to think about the question he asked. I could have, perhaps, even ruled it out, but I allowed the Minister to answer it, and perhaps the answer the member received was reasonably mild, considering the question.
What percentage of Government funding does Māori tourism receive in comparison with mainstream tourism?
Hon Clayton CosgroveWell, I do not have every number to hand. What I do know is I would know when a boat would leave if I was going out on one, on a reality TV show—I would know that—but I do not know every single one of those numbers. I do know that we are spending $4.5 million on Māori development in the tourism action plan, I do know that a lot of work is done with the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign to use the imagery of Māori, and I know that they are deeply involved in many of the sectors of the REAL New Zealand Showcase Rugby World Cup programme.
Why should Māori believe this Government values our contribution to New Zealand when financial support for Māori ventures such as Māori tourism, in comparison with mainstream tourism, is almost non-existent?
First, because that statement is not true and, secondly, because when this Government stood up and said we would have a pavilion to promote Māori, in a prime position at the Viaduct Basin during the Rugby World Cup, all Labour members could do was make some cheap shots—so Māori know who supports them when it comes to tourism, and it sure as hang is not Labour.