Hawke’s Bay Māori Tourism Trust (HBMT) exists to uplift our people, our stories, and our region. Our kaupapa is grounded in manaakitanga, education, and the belief that tourism can be a powerful bridge between past and present. Everything we do is about fostering a profound connection between you and the region, ensuring that visitors and locals alike experience the depth, richness, and resilience of Māori culture in Te Matau‑a‑Māui.

Our Charitable Purpose

HBMT is a charitable trust dedicated to the advancement of education within our community. We support learning, capability development, and pathways that strengthen Māori participation and leadership in the tourism sector. Our long‑term vision is to continue to extend these opportunities to people of all ages, ensuring that cultural knowledge, industry skills, and regional pride continue to flourish.

In addition to education, our purpose includes promoting and advancing Māori values, art, culture, and Māori religious beliefs and practices. These foundations are essential to developing resilient, healthy, and independent individuals, and they guide every aspect of our work. We undertake activities and enterprises that uphold these values and contribute to the wellbeing of our people and our region.

We are here to help whānau build strong, sustainable futures through education, cultural integrity, and industry development.

Supporting Established Māori Tourism Operators

HBMT is recognised across the region as a leading advocate for authentic Māori tourism in Hawke’s Bay. We proudly support Māori tourism operators at all levels, and we want this to be absolutely clear:

The majority of our members are long‑established, highly respected tourism businesses that have been operating successfully for many years.

These operators form the backbone of Māori tourism in Hawke’s Bay. Our role is to champion their work, elevate their visibility, and ensure Māori tourism remains a central and respected part of the wider regional tourism landscape. We also support emerging operators, but our foundation is built on the expertise, legacy, and professionalism of established Māori tourism enterprises.

This reflects our true position:
HBMT is a legitimate Māori tourism organisation in our own right — grounded in tino rangatiratanga and committed to the long‑term prosperity of Māori tourism in Te Matau‑a‑Māui.

Inclusive Membership

HBMT’s membership is open to all tourism operators who align with our values and commitment to delivering genuine Māori tourism experiences.
Membership is not determined by ethnicity.

Any operator — Māori or non‑Māori — who upholds cultural integrity, respects Māori narratives, and contributes positively to the visitor experience in Hawke’s Bay is welcome to stand with us.

This ensures our network remains strong, diverse, and united under shared principles of manaakitanga, authenticity, and regional pride.

International Representation and Trade Engagement

HBMT has represented Māori tourism and Hawke’s Bay on the world stage, building relationships that strengthen cultural exchange and open new opportunities for our region.

Our trade excursions include:

• China — Sea Trade Conference

• Las Vegas — Expedia Conference and follow‑up industry meetings

• Fort Lauderdale — International Trade Conference

• Miami — Cultural representation by Kahurangi with a stall and performances

• Taiwan — A landmark visit resulting in the first Indigenous Trade Agreement between Māori and Taiwan, creating opportunities to collaborate with the Council of Indigenous Taiwan in tourism and commerce

• Te Anau — Participation in the New Zealand Tourism Awards with a focus on tourism capability and industry development

These engagements help bridge the gap between past and present, ensuring Māori tourism remains visible, valued, and globally connected.

Community Support and Resilience

During challenging periods such as the Covid‑19 pandemic, HBMT remained committed to supporting whānau, small businesses, and vulnerable community members.

• Our Chairman helped establish whānau response teams

• Trustees and volunteers delivered food packages daily

• We continued to advocate for Māori tourism operators during industry disruption

Our commitment to community wellbeing remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our People

HBMT is guided by leaders who bring deep experience, cultural grounding, and a shared commitment to the prosperity of Māori tourism in Hawke’s Bay:

• Toro Waaka — Chairman

• Tania Eden - CEO

• Peter Eden — Trustee

• Henare Kani — Trustee

• Moana Rongo — Trustee