Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust (NRAIT) holds numerous concessions relating to the tourism industry.

Department of Conservation – concession to undertake guided (walks, cycling, use of facilities – ATNP) activities on land managed by the Department of Conservation in the following areas
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Kahurangi National Park
- Puponga Farm Park
- Pupu Springs Scenic Reserve
- Nelson Lakes National Park
- Mt Richmond Forest Park
- Big Bush Conservation Area
- Motueka Sandspit
Kaiteriteri Recreational Reserve Board
- Guided walks - Kaka Pa point, Puketawai
- Launch of vessels from the boat ramp on Kaiteriteri Bay foreshore

NRAIT’s aim is to establish itself as a key tourism player in Te Tau Ihu rohe as a basis for encouraging wider iwi participation in the industry in the medium term.

The Nelson-Tasman region has been at the forefront of contemporary cultural tourism development driven significantly by the World of Wearable Arts, a renowned arts community coordinated through the Nelson Bays Arts Marketing Network and New Zealand’s first Cultural Tourism Symposium held in Nelson in 1998.

A hui convened in 2003 by Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust; four iwi, Ngāti Rārua, Te Atiawa, Ngati Koata and Ngāti Tama, as well as Wakatu Incorporation and other stakeholders to discuss tourism opportunities, subsequently led to an initial assessment of tourism product concepts that could offer opportunities to Māori, promote culture and heritage and create wealth.

This hui also showed the commitment that Latitude Nelson (Nelson’s Regional Tourism Organisation) also has in ensuing that Maori tourism is integrated with other tourism activities in ways that enable the region to brand itself as a Maori tourism destination. This is manifested through the “Cultural Tourism Development Plan for Te Tai Aorere (Nelson-Tasman) 2004-2006. Many of the strategies and actions in this Cultural Development Plan note NRAIT and Wakatu Incorporation as recommended partners for implementation.

Work is currently being undertaken by NRAIT in partnership with TPK in regards preparing a business case in relation to the development of a Cultural Interpretation Centre (“CIC”) in Te Tau Ihu, where NRAIT will seek to activate its concessions.

The project team welcome any input with regards the CIC development. Should you wish to discuss further please don’t hesitate to contact the office.