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Just a quick note to say thank you for the wonderful efforts and manaaki from Tai Tokerau Maori Tourism last week, for many of the delegation the trip north was the highlight of their journey as it gave them the opportunity to connect directly with Maori (tourism operators) and also for their two cultures, the Mapuce and the Chilean Spanish peoples to better understand each other and what they can achieve together.

	Chairperson Hone Mihaka and Juan Carlos Curinao Rucal,

The visit across NZ and to the far North to sample a range of tourism experiences such as, the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, lunch with Taiamai Tours (Hone Mihaka, his family and members of Tai Tokerau maori Tourism) the guided walks (Footprints of Waipoua) the kauri Museum and their stay at the Copthorne Hokianga has given them a good indication of what is achievable and they can go back to Chile with a real enthusiasm as to what tourism is possible.

I will never forget that magical moment as we stood under Tane mahuta and we had gave each of the delegates a piece of pounamu (a pendant to wear) which had been blessed by our guide Wiremu and they Mapuce chief then looked at his Chilean (of Spanish descent) counterparts and embraced them as countrymen, something which I am told does not happen back in Chile.

Two cultures embraced each others differences to become one people.

Once again thanks for the hospitality and manaaki, it added something special to the tour for the Mapuce peoples of Chile.

Mauri ora

Butch 

Director of Regions & Operations NZ Maori Tourism