SUBMIT A TREASURE

ABOUT SUBMISSIONS

We invite treasure submissions from:

Māori-owned businesses or legal entities that provide a visitor offering in Auckland and can demonstrate relevant mana whenua endorsement. Places of historical, cultural, or natural significance that protect and preserve Māori cultural heritage, are physically accessible to visitors in Auckland, and can demonstrate relevant mana whenua endorsement.

MORE ABOUT SUBMISSIONS

We warmly invite Māori-owned businesses and operators of places of Māori cultural significance in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to submit their offerings for inclusion on the Treasures of Tāmaki platform. This is a free opportunity to showcase your unique contributions to Auckland's rich Māori cultural landscape. 

Who can take part? 

We invite applications from Māori-owned businesses with offering(s) for visitors. We also invite submissions for places of natural, historical or cultural significance that protects and preserves Māori cultural heritage. These submissions will need to demonstrate appropriate Mana Whenua endorsement.

Examples:

• Tūpuna Maunga
• Public Māori arts 

Why submit your treasure?

By featuring your offering on the Treasures of Tāmaki platform, you gain visibility among both local and international visitors seeking genuine Māori experiences. This initiative supports local Māori communities and businesses by providing a platform that highlights your offerings without any cost to you.  

Submission process

To ensure each treasure aligns with our mission and meets our criteria, all submissions will be reviewed by a panel. This process helps maintain the authenticity and integrity of the platform, ensuring that visitors have meaningful and respectful experiences. 

1. Complete the submission form: Fill out the submission and provide detailed information about your offering, including how it connects visitors to Māori culture, history and heritage. 
2. Provide supporting documentation: Include any relevant documents. 
3. Review process: Submissions are evaluated by a panel of representatives from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, NZ Māori Tourism, Whāriki Māori Business Network and Auckland Council. This collaborative approach ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment, drawing on a wide range of expertise within the Māori tourism sector.
4. Timeline: The Treasures of Tāmaki platform is updated at least twice a year, and submissions may take up to six months to be reviewed and listed. This timeline allows our evaluation panel to carefully consider each submission and ensure it aligns with our values and standards.

Evaluation criteria 

Your offering will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

• Cultural authenticity: Demonstrates genuine Maōri practices, story-telling integrity without conflict to Mana Whenua story-telling sovereignty and respects tikanga.
• Connection to Māori heritage: Provides a meaningful connection to Māori cultural history and heritage.
• Accessibility: Physically accessible to visitors in Auckland. 
• Endorsement: Has written sign-off or endorsement from your mandated iwi authority. For places of Māori cultural significance, requires written sign-off or endorsement from your mandated Mana Whenua. 

Benefits of being featured

• Increased visibility: Reach a broader audience of visitors interested in Māori culture.
• Opportunities for inclusion in international and domestic media, PR and trade activities.
• Opportunities for inclusion in programs including capability and product development.  

Support and assistance

We understand that the submission process may require time and effort, and we're here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance with the submission form, please don't hesitate to contact us at[email protected]. Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout the process. 

Join our whānau

Becoming part of Treasures of Tāmaki Makarau Auckland means joining a community committed to showcasing the richness of Māori culture in Auckland.  

Important notes

• Free listing: It doesn’t cost anything to be featured on the platform.
• Update schedule: The platform is updated at least twice a year, so timely submissions are appreciated.
• Evaluation panel: Submissions are reviewed by a panel including Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, NZ Māori Tourism, Whāriki Māori Business Network and Auckland Council. 

Embrace the journey

We look forward to receiving your submission and working together to promote the treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Together, we can create unforgettable experiences for visitors and honour the legacy of Māori culture.