Balancing cultural sensitivities and tourism (or development) is a challenge.
In Whangarei, Mt Parihaka is one of Northland's underdeveloped attractions.
Locals and visitors use its tracks and park in its raw, almost original form.
At its summit, the perfunctory viewing platform has been brutalised by the elements and vandals. On a clear day with the tide in, it's a million dollar view. From a cheap, nasty viewing platform. That's changing though - iwi and local authorities have agreed on an upgrade for the area. The upgrade will be a huge improvement, and the cultural significance will be honoured with the placement of a rock in the middle of the platform.
Getting to this stage, I imagine, has not been a fast or easy path. Much blood has been spilled on Parihaka - it is historically and spiritually significant. Local Maori will tell you, stay on the paths, don't stray off the tracks. In my mind, the full potential of the location is yet to be exploited. But it is a positive step, a giant step, actually, in the right direction.
