Tourism Impact

Like any other tourist destination, there are tourism impacts that have befallen on the authentic culture of the place. 

5.1 Positive Impacts

New Zealand as a whole and the Maori people as well have received and seen the benefits that tourism can provide to their country. An increase in the job opportunities has provided a more stable income for them such as the selling of Maori arts and crafts. Furthermore, in doing so, it would spark an interest in the Maori culture in visitors and it would instill a sense of pride among the tribe because there are people who are interested to learn more about their culture. Tourism has also brought opportunities to the Maori people to share and pass on some of their values to visitors and at the same time learn more about cultures from the people that come to them. Also, when tourists visit a Maori tribe, they would be able to observe their ways of maintaining a close relationship with Mother nature. This would in turn create an increased awareness and concern of the tourists’ natural surroundings. When there is tourism in the country, it would help to better improve the country’s infrastructure and facilities because of the amount of tourist receipts generated from the tourists who arrive there. 

5.2 Negative Impacts

While the country and the tribe has benefited from tourism, there are also negative tourism impacts that have caused them trouble. Firstly, it is the lack of respect of some international tourists displayed when they visit a tribe. They do not observe cultural values and protocol which translates to the lack of respect for the tribe’s culture (for example, walking around in the Marae during a hui or assembly). Secondly, some souvenir shops could potentially sell artificial Maori arts and crafts which would lead to the commodification of Maori culture because these shop owners would use cheap materials to make these goods and a lot of it at one time. Therefore many tourists can get to bring home these fake goods and New Zealand’s proud culture could become nothing more than a commodity. Adding on, some shops that sell Maori arts and crafts are either not owned or operated by them therefore they do not receive any benefits from selling these arts and crafts that originated from their tribe and culture. Lastly, pollution and contamination as a result of tourist activities. Even though the tourists may get a chance to observe and learn the ways of Maoris on how they care and respect their natural surroundings, they do not often put it into practice what they see and most of the time forget after leaving. As a result, these tourist activities have damaged the Earth mother. Furthermore, some tourists that visit New Zealand give little regard for the natural surroundings of the country which results in environmental damage.