The RWC and Opportunities for Maori and Pacific Islanders

Firstly, it must be stated that nowhere else in the world are Maori known as tangata whenua and nowhere else in the world has the highest number of Pacific peoples in one place. I am talking about Auckland.

The opportunities that arise out of the RWC for both Maori and Pacific Islanders will in no doubt arise from the toursm industry. There can be no argument that when people come to New Zealand they also would like to see some of the local culture.

Adapted from the Auckland Plus website here are some of the opportunities:

• Supply to opening and closing ceremony events particularly around the opening match featuring New Zealand v Tonga
• Supply to cultural and festival programme, including the many live sites around the region and community engagement programmes
• Supply to welcome events, including team welcomes at Auckland International Airport
• Supply of indigenous content to official broadcasters and media agencies

·         Interpretation/translation services for te reo Māori

Under the Local Government Act 2002 local councils are resuired to promote the four aspects of wellbeing. In this case i think social, cultural, and the economic wellbeing of Maori and Pacific Islanders are being promoted through the tournament. It will be delightful to watch in the times to come.