The sociocultural impact of tourism on the Te Arawa people of Rotorua, New Zealand

Abstract

This is a study of how tourism in New Zealand has affected a major tribal community; their insights, reactions, and experiences. Covering five generations, it presents an oral account of the actively concerned social groups. Wherever possible, or necessary, this is reiterated and reinforced by the written record.

The work comprises two parts, the first which outlines the historic background according to available documentation, and the second which focusses on particular aspects of tribal culture and experience. Material for this section, otherwise unrecorded, came from the narrated stories, reminiscences, and often shrewd observations of the people themselves. It deals with residential community, song and dance, arts and crafts, and the role of women.

As an essentially ethnographic commentary, the study does not examine the economic features or effects of tourism, except where fiscal factors are pertinent to the understanding or continuity of the Te Arawa experience of the tourist world.