There are various types of benefits that the Association provides to its members. The following is a summary of some of these.

1. Enabling members to keep abreast of latest tourism trends by face to face meetings with Board members and access to latest advice on national and regional tourism trends & events.
   
2. Preparing members to surf the market place by facilitating members’ access to IT workshops, competitively priced computers and backup support.
   
3. Putting members’ business on the internet for easier access by domestic and international markets.
   
4. Supporting members in the maintenance of their own visitor market research programme and access to regional and national visitor market research.
   
5. Facilitating members’ access to subsidised business and tourism training and mentoring.
   
6. Promoting members’ tourism products and services through advertising, participation at TRENZ and media coverage.
   
7. Making members’ views known to tourism industry leaders.

OUR MISSION

The Association was formally established as an incorporated society on 31 July 1996 and today operates in terms the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, the Association’s constitution and policy determined by the Board of Directors of the Association.

The Board of Directors is elected annually by Association members at the Annual General Meeting. This elected Board is legally responsible for exercising all powers, authorities, functions and discretions of the Association including applications for membership to the Association.

The Mission of the Association is to
Foster the development of a cluster of Mäori and cultural tourism operators and associated stakeholders in Tai Tokerau for their mutual support, sustainable development, and the wider socio-economic benefit of Tai Tokerau.

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP TO THE ASSOCIATION

The Constitution enables
Any person, corporate body, society or association supporting the objectives of the Association and in the opinion of the Board of Directors represents the interests of those engaged in, or have an interest in, or derive benefit from Maori & cultural tourism.

The Objectives of the Association are

1. The development of cultural tourism in Tai Tokerau in a manner which is environmentally responsible, economically sustainable and that recognises and protects the spiritual, physical and cultural values of the peoples of the region
2. The promotion of the socio-economic development of Tai Tokerau through Mäori and cultural tourism.
3. Active participation of broad range of participants and stakeholders in Mäori and cultural tourism across Tai Tokerau in the Association.
4. High quality service delivery by members which appropriately addresses the needs of visitors.
5. Members’ products and services of members are widely promoted.
6. Members make effective use of information technology.
7. Strong relationships with strategic allies in the public and private sectors.
8. Effective advocacy of the interests of Maori and cultural tourism operators and their trade allies in local, regional and national settings.
9. The efficient and effective operation of the Association with the minimum of permanent staff.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

There are various types of benefits that the Association provides to its members. The following is a summary of some of these.

1. Enabling members to keep abreast of latest tourism trends by face to face meetings with Board members and access to latest advice on national and regional tourism trends & events.
2. Preparing members to surf the market place by facilitating members’ access to IT workshops, competitively priced computers and backup support.
3. Putting members’ business on the internet for easier access by domestic and international markets
4. Supporting members in the maintenance of their own visitor market research programme and access to regional and national visitor market research.
5. Facilitating members’ access to subsidised business and tourism training and mentoring.
6. Promoting members’ tourism products and services through advertising, participation at TRENZ and media coverage.
7. Making members’ views known to tourism industry leaders.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

All applications for membership are required to be made in writing on the prescribed form (copy enclosed) to the Secretary. Note that no money should be sent with the application as all applications must first be considered by the Board of Directors.

The Secretary will advise all applicants whether the Board has approved or rejected the application.

Where applications are approved, membership will be confirmed by the Secretary upon payment of the annual membership fee of $100.00 (incl GST).

A full membership information pack will provided upon payment of the membership fee.