COVID-19, indigenous peoples and tourism: a view from New Zealand. Issue 3 (26th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carr, Anna
• Is Part Of: Tourism geographies. Volume 22:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 491
• Page End: 502
• Publication Date: 2020-05-26
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Indigenous people -- indigenous tourism -- indigenous values -- Māori -- communities -- New Zealand; 新冠肺炎 -- 原住民 -- 原住民旅游 -- 本土价值观 -- 毛利人 -- 社区 -- 新西兰; Travel -- Periodicals; Ecotourism -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1080/14616688.2020.1768433
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-6688

Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic's impact is predicted to be long-lasting with intergenerational impacts for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples offer untapped potential for understanding how we are shaping resilient solutions to COVID-19 and similar threats in the future. In New Zealand, the Māori people occupy diverse leadership and occupational roles throughout society. As a result of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi ( Te Tiriti o Waitangi ) they are recognised, through Acts of Parliament, as government partners who work in governance and planning processes, including the COVID-19 response. Such recognition can result in the inclusion of Māori values such as whanaungatanga (kinship and belonging), kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship and responsibility) and manaakitanga (respect, care, and hospitality) within policy and Acts of Parliament. Māori leaders and spokespeople are stressing that environmental and social welfare needs of all communities should be prioritised as part of the COVID-19 solution and that tourism responses cannot be separated from social needs. Government responses and planning efforts that incorporate diverse cultural values ensure more equitable futures and positive experiences for tourism providers, travellers and the hosts. In this way Indigenous-informed approaches would positively contribute to transforming business, health and education for a more positive global society.