Whaka and Te Puia heal tourism rift

It's been 10 years since a gate divided tourist attractions at the world famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley - now that gate is to come down.

After a decade of animosity, the two iconic attractions - Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours - have reconciled and are likely to launch a joint venture next year.

Te Puia chief executive Te Taru White said the reunion of the two ventures would be the ultimate result.

"From Te Puia's point of view, we are committed to the removal of the gate that has also been a cultural and spiritual gate to the progression of both ventures," he said.

While details of the new joint venture are still under wraps, Mr White said it would be along the lines of their previous arrangement where tourists could visit both sites for one fee.

Mr White's commitment is shared by Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours chief executive Grace Neilson. She said the proposed venture was still in its early days and there was still a lot of talking to be done before plans were set in stone.

"We share the valley and its resources and to maintain the area's sustainability we must focus on the end result. Working together is in the best interests of both Maori and tourism in Rotorua," she said.

The gate between the two attractions was locked by an unknown person on December 19, 1997. The dispute was over $331,158 the Rahui Lands Trust (which represented Whakarewarewa Village at the time) claimed was owed by the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (now known as Te Puia) for using a hectare of the village's land.

The unresolved dispute led to the village launching its own tourism venture in February 1998.

Oscar Nathan, who is a New Zealand Tourism Industry Association board member and Maori in Tourism Rotorua chairman, said Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and Te Puia had a unique history and environment.

"Any commitment between the two entities to working together in the future, whether it be to better manage the eco-environment or improve the visitor experience, can only be a plus for all concerned," Mr Nathan said.

The news comes as Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours began a re-branding exercise this week that will culminate on Waitangi Day (February 6) next year with the 10-year anniversary celebrations of the village's stand alone tourist venture.

The village will now be known as Whakarewarewa - The Living Thermal Village.

Along with the revised brand is the refurbishment of what was the Hei Tiki Gallery (to the right of the memorial archway) that will now be known as Nga Mareikura (Extraordinary Ladies).

Marketing co-ordinator Justin Te Hau said the building provided a warm welcome to tourists with floor to ceiling visuals.

It would be dedicated to the Whakarewarewa guides and their legacy.