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Are you a Maori business or want to start one. If you need help or don't know where to begin but want to develop and implement a business or community project check out the Kinston Strategic Group. The Kingston Strategic Group comprises experts in a variety of fields who can assist in evaluating options, develop directions and help keep organisations on track. Ross Himona heads this organisation and is Chief Executive. For more info visit their website.

Maori Culture Earns Tourism Industry Big Bucks (NZ Herald, 07.01.06, Michelle DaCruz). The New Zealand Herald has recently reported that Maori culture is bringing in the bucks, but how much is hard to estimate. Less than a decade ago there were only a few indigenous tourism businesses. The Maori Tourism Council now says there are over 600.

One such business making the most out of authentic Maori experiences are Tamaki Hikoi. Three Ngati Whatua guides take tourists on a tour from Mt Eden (Maungawhau) through Auckland's sacred landmarks through to the Waitemata Harbour.

The demand for authentic cultural experiences seems to be growing and there is no reason to suggest that this trend is going to slow down. Kevin Bellows, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Traveler had praise for Tourism New Zealand's 100 Per Cent Pure Campaign but said that he expected the Maori cultural experience will become a major determinate for visitors deciding whether or not to visit Aotearoa in the next ten years.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton warned Maori tourist operators from just providing a hangi and concert, saying that the new tourist is looking for more interaction, with history as well as seeing the country. Whale Watch was described as a business that provides that type of experience.

For a list of Maori Tour operators click here.

Hauraki Treaty of Waitangi Claims Mandated Representative Nomination Deadline is on the 27 January. Information Sheet and Nomination Forms are available. For more information contact: Peter Te Moananui, phone: 0508 46 82 88.

Wairarapa Maori Get Frustrated With Government (Wairarapa Times Age, 9.01.06) Suggestions by the government to stop four-wheel vehicles driving on its recently purchased Stonewall Block near Cape Palliser, has raised the ire of local Maori. Haami Te Whaiti expressed happiness that the Crown bought the land, but is disappointed that they are banning vehicles.

The Matakitaki a Kupe Trust which owns 1400 hectares of adjoining land to the Stonewall property allow vehicles to access the foreshore from their property, on the established track. They are however becoming frustrated at vehicles leaving the track and creating their own. They have already had problems in the past with visitors, with a disastrous fire destroyed 10 km of coastline vegetation. That led to the Trust banning beachfront camping. The DOC ban on vehicle access through Stonewall would only put more pressure on the Trust's land.

Maori Pa Site Found At Taranaki (Stuff, 10.01.06, Michelle Sutton) An oil company has found a Maori settlement that could be 400 years old. Archeologist Hans Bader is excited by the find, stating that it is the first time a large Maori agricultural site has been excavated in Taranaki. Thus far, the site has shown hangi and kumara storage pits, 400 post holes, fences and storage shelters. We only hope that those who hold mana whenua over this area are actively involved in the exploration and preservation of such an important area.

“State of the Maori Nation” book launch is being held at Pipitea Marae, Wellington, on Thursday 2 February. Those wanting to attend should contact Malcolm Mulholland at kahungunu@slingshot.co.nz.

State of the Maori Nation by Malcolm Mulholland and Contributors deals "with a diverse range of issues that affect Maori living in modern-day New Zealand and is a collection of 22 short and informative essays drawn from Maori commentators, historians, teachers, researchers and academics working across the country in all manner of industries."

The book attempts to provide an independent analysis of how Maori are faring in each facet of their lives. This includes health, sport, art and other subjects such as the foreshore and seabed and bioengineering. The chapters are written by experts in their fields, such as Professors Linda Smith, Bob Jahnke and Margaret Mutu, Matanuku Mahuika, Potaua Biasiny-Tule and Judge Heta Hingston. Reed Publishers are producing the book and further information regarding the publication can be found at their website. This book is definitely worth picking up, exploring and enjoying. It will retail for $39.99.

The Whatakaraka Whanau Trust Education Grants application deadline is 31 January 2006. Application forms are available for Intermediate, Secondary and Tertiary students. Contact the Treasurer at 50 Tawa Street. Te Kuiti. Contact Rueben Tapara by phone or text 021 146 8569.

The Ministry of Education website has announced that applications are open for Postgraduate Study Awards for those studying Maori or Pasifika Education Postgraduate courses. Each year they are awarded to one recipient and are worth $5000.00 each. Information and application forms can be downloaded from their website.