A Māori enterprise is assisting whānau to become hosts to tourists who are looking for an authentic Māori experience. (whānau is a Māori word for extended family or community of related families who live together in the same area.) Staynative connects tourists to Māori families and is for tourists who are looking for an authentic Māori experience.
The initiative employs the principles of guardianship and hospitality. The main selling point for the business is the beauty of the lands and seas. Ms Armstrong says the aim is to sign up 100 small businesses in a year.
This is an edited extract from an article first published on TVNZ.
