Kelvin Davis

A 'traditional Maori' charging tourists five dollars for a photo with him resplendent in his felt pen moko should be allowed to go for it if he's giving tourists something they want, says Labour Tourism Spokesperson Kelvin Davis.

Mr Davis was commenting on a story in an Auckland newspaper this morning.

"Mr Kairau's pitch might be little different from the 'traditional' Roman soldiers standing around in plastic armour in Rome charging five Euros for a photo but as long as tourists are enjoying the show and are not being pestered then he probably adds to the experience. Tourist feedback would soon tell whether they were happy or not.

"If Tourism Auckland has an issue with Mr Kairau then they should talk to local iwi Ngati Whatua and explore opportunities for Ngati Whatuatanga to be shared with tourists in an appropriate way.

"The only people who can determine whether or not the experience is genuine are Ngati Whatua. If Mr Kairau's actions are at odds with Ngati Whatua tikanga, they should be the ones to tell him so.

There is a lot more to Ngati Whatua customs, culture and history than simply welcoming tourists off cruise ships with a concert party, Mr Davis said.

"Mr Kairau has simply latched on to the fact that tourists are genuinely interested in hearing our stories. A good Maori storyteller, especially one who infuses a bit of humour with the history, can really capture tourists' imagination.

"Hone Mihaka from Taiamai Tours started out in the industry in a similar way and has built up a successful and popular tourism venture in the Bay of Islands as a result.

"Part of my approach as Labour's Tourism spokesperson is to work with the Tai Tokerau Maori Tourism Board to build the network of Maori Tourism operators in the north, so that they can develop a quality authentic Maori product that lures tourists to the north. Maori operators being themselves and telling our stories is an exciting product.

"Maori culture is a unique experience that can only be had in New Zealand and tourists are interested. Regional Tourism Organisations should grab opportunities like this to work closely with local iwi to give tourists a unique experience.

Mr Kairau may seem a little quirky to some, but the reality is he's spotted an opportunity in the market and is simply being entrepreneurial. I'm not sure he's thought through any sort of business plan, but if he polishes up his act he may well be on to something."