19th May 2020 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker
Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua will receive a $7.6m cash injection over two years as part of Budget 2020.
The announcement comes after the tourist attraction closed its doors in March, resulting in more than 100 job losses due to the fallout of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
Minister for Māori development Nanaia Mahuta said the institute’s continuity was vital, culturally and economically, and the Government’s investment would bring relief in response to travel restrictions after Covid-19.
“Incorporating the Te Puia Tourism Centre and the Māori arts and crafts training centre, the institute has been part of the country’s Māori arts and tourism landscape for nearly 100 years, and is expected to continue to play a vital role as Aotearoa recovers and rebuilds,” she said.
“The support will safeguard the future of toi Māori and ensure that our future carvers, weavers, waka exponents, and arts and crafts champions have a place to hone and perfect Māori arts for generations to come.”
As a major local attraction, Mahuta said numerous other businesses and individuals were likely to benefit from Te Puia over the medium term, including accommodation and retail services.
Prior to Covid-19, around two out of every ten visitors to Rotorua visited Te Puia.
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