Bluff tourism plan shines light on Māori heritage

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Bluff resident Kirsten Hoyle added her suggestion of new tracks and additional parking space to the draft tourism strategy for Bluff.

Kaupapa Māori takes centre stage in a new proposed tourism strategy for Bluff.

Speaking to a crowd gathered at the Te Rau Aroha Marae on Wednesday, Te Runaka O Awarua Kaiwhakahaere Dean Whaanga said the idea was to place a big pou whenua at the top of Motupōhue, emphasising the cultural significance of the landmark, along with the town’s historical importance.

Considering the sweeping views it already provides, Whaanga hopes the site will become a destination and drawcard for the rest of the town.

“You’ll have to get your photo taken there when you come to Bluff,” he said.

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Whaanga was speaking as part of a tourism strategy hui where Bluff community members were invited to comment on proposed tourism development plans for the township.

The plan essentially falls under Great South’s Southland Murihiku Destination Strategy, focusing on initiatives the community had already identified.

Great South general manager for tourism Bobbi Brown said there was a need to change the way people viewed Bluff.

“We’re not the end or the bottom of New Zealand. We’re the start,” she said.

Te Runaka O Awarua Kaiwhakahaere Dean Whaanga said iwi wanted to help and lead tourism development concepts in Bluff.

The Bluff tourism plan will capitalise on exiting projects – like the completion of the Te Araroa Trail currently underway – and ideas that have been in development for years, like the Terminal Tourism Development Hub and Southern Marine Discovery Centre.

Brown explained that the strategy was still in the very early stages, and the meeting was only the first chance for community engagement.

It was due to be released before the national lockdown, but the delay meant the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism could also be considered, she said.

Projects have been divided into 11 hubs that can be implemented separately, ensuring the strategy can move forward – even if it couldn’t be done at speed, Brown said.

“It’s a strategy, but it’s not going to sit on a shelf.”

Following a progress report on existing projects, community members were invited to provide feedback.

Many of the comments centred around roads, public transport, and speed limit considerations.

There were also calls for a safer boat launch with extra parking.

Angie Hopkinson was glad to hear mention of safer access to ocean swimming.

“It’s well overdue and I hope it’s one of the first [initiatives] off the ramp,” she said.

It would be important to make sure all Bluffies got a say in the strategy, Hopkinson added.

Tammy Topi said it was great to see a progressive plan, and to see the community getting involved.

“It’s our future, we are the people who live here,” she said.

This first round of feedback would be used to create a draft strategy document, before formal community engagement would begin, Brown said.