Seeing stars – Matariki success catalyst for $15m government investment
Over 60 regional projects to share in funding for future Matariki events
With New Zealand’s public fully embracing the newly-installed Matariki public holiday, Minister of Tourism, Stuart Nash and Associate Minister of Tourism, Peeni Henare have announced a sixth round of recipients for the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF), much of which will support the delivery and management of future Matariki events.
This TIF round will see $15 million invested into projects around the country with 62 regional projects receiving funding including for the first time, infrastructure projects.
Congratulating the successful applicants in this latest round of funding, Minister Nash said the TIF plays a key role in helping to support infrastructure that many small towns and districts cannot afford by themselves.
“This year marks a new era in New Zealand with the first celebration of Matariki as a public holiday, after our government passed legislation last year,” he said.
“I want to highlight a few of the successful TIF projects that support Matariki celebrations across our country, which will help Kiwis discover different ways of celebrating our newest public holiday.
“Residents and visitors to Waihi Beach can look forward to new stargazing platforms, which will link together a popular walking trail. The platforms will include a Matariki star compass and cultural information about the site.
“In Rotorua, the Te Tākinga Marae has been awarded funding to upgrade their facilities to include Matariki infrastructure – a viewing platform, signage, enhanced walkways, a new public toilet facility, and a Matariki-inspired Waharoa entranceway to the marae complex.
“This is a great way to get the community and visitors engaged with Matariki celebrations.”
Associate Minister of Tourism, Peeni Henare said that to be able to fund some projects through the TIF that embrace Matariki is fantastic and will only further to many New Zealanders journeys of discovery into Te Ao Māori world.
“Our hope is that the sowing of these seeds will play a big part in many future Matariki celebrations and inspire other communities to apply for TIF funding themselves,”.
The Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) provides up to $25 million annually to develop tourism-related infrastructure that supports regions facing pressure from tourism growth. Since 2017, the TIF has supported more than 200 projects totalling $91.3 million, which have improved the quality of tourism infrastructure for residents and visitors alike
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
