Ngāi Tahu Tourism update

The impacts of COVID-19 and the related moves made to protect New Zealanders’ health have taken a significant toll on the tourism industry, from which Ngāi Tahu Tourism has not been immune. Our tourism businesses, alongside the rest of the industry, no longer have any revenue, and even when the industry does eventually reestablish, it is expected to take a long time to recover.

Therefore, after robust analysis and discussions and with heavy hearts, we share with you our intention to close our Tourism businesses for the time being.

This difficult decision has also resulted in a proposal to significantly downsize our Ngāi Tahu Tourism workforce, with more than 300 kaimahi at all levels potentially losing their jobs as a result.

After a full consultation period, a final decision will be made in May.

We value our kaimahi greatly as they are at the centre of all Ngāi Tahu Tourism is and does, so to be proposing to head down this path is devastating for us – and certainly something we did not envisage a few months ago.

We are doing all we can to support those affected during this difficult period, and we are particularly proud of the whanaungatanga and manaakitanga on display across our organisation in such difficult circumstances.

At this time of challenge for our Ngāi Tahu Tourism kaimahi and our tourism operations, we are reminded of our gratitude for those who led our iwi through Te Kerēme and Settlement. Those who came before us have ensured that Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has a diversified portfolio of business interests, including tourism, seafood, property, forestry, farming and capital investments. This careful and deliberate structure means that when these challenging times come, we can continue our important work of protecting and sustaining the pūtea for future generations.

Mike Pohio – Chief Executive, Ngāi Tahu Holdings and Lisa Tumahai – Kaiwhakahaere, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Important note: As we are undergoing consultation with our kaimahi, we will not be making any further comment.