Culture celebrated at launch

Tim Cossar, left, Kevin Bowler and Harry Burkhardt at yesterday's launch. INSET: The new brands. Photo / Ben Fraser

Te Puia and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute have unveiled the organisation's new brand marks.

More than 100 people attended the launch last night at the iconic centre, including Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell, Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ta Tumu te Heuheu and chief executive of Tourism New Zealand Kevin Bowler, as well as iwi members and those in the tourism industry.

The event also marked the release of a 52-page record of the dual legacies of Te Puia and the institute.

Te Puia NZMACI chairman Harry Burkhardt said the launch was the culmination of many years' work to articulate the two legacies, the organisation's unique culture and commerce model, and its mandated responsibilities.

"The two legacies were formally joined in 1963 under parliamentary legislation, and Te Puia and NZMACI remain inextricably linked with a distinct, and yet shared, legacy.

"It is a unique model that is unlike anything else in the world.

"This enables both critical cultural development activities, as well as brings a level of authenticity that is not only integral to our tourism operation, but also to that of wider Rotorua and New Zealand."

He said the past few years had seen significant developments for both Te Puia and NZMACI, including a cultural strategy in 2011, which reaffirmed the values of the original legislation and had led to several ground-breaking cultural projects, such as the international exhibition Tuku Iho.

Chief executive Tim Cossar said the work had brought an increased balance to the "unique" business model, and would "bring greater meaning to our work and benefit to iwi Maori, the Rotorua economy, local community and New Zealand".

Mr Cossar said the pakeke (elders) of Te Whakarewarewa Valley had been central to the brand development process.

"They, and their ancestors, have helped shape the organisation that it is today, and their passion, legacy and knowledge are as important and relevant now as when they were first treading the paths of the valley."

Mr Cossar said Mauriora Kingi, a renowned Te Arawa representative who died suddenly in June, was integral to the process and provided direction and wisdom.

"He is sorely missed."