After surviving three of the most tumultuous years in its 60+ year history, Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute has truly risen from the global pandemic ashes by claiming the Supreme Award at the Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards last night on Saturday 5 October.
Te Puia | NZMACI won the Rotorua NZ Manaakitanga Tourism and Hospitality Category to put it in the running for the Supreme Award, eventually taking the top spot over five other category winners.
Te Puia | NZMACI chief executive Tim Cossar says being acknowledged in this way is hugely uplifting for the team.
“We aim for excellence in everything we do, whether the focus is hosting manuhiri (visitors) or training tauira (students) – to be acknowledged for that is humbling and uplifting for us all.”
Rotorua Business Chamber President, Paul Ingram, says Te Puia is an intrinsic part of the local economy and community, while it is also a critical element of Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism sector and global cultural brand.
“After being one of the earliest tourism operations to close its gates due to the COVID pandemic – even before New Zealand’s national lockdown – Te Puia and its team refused to stay down.
“Instead, it used this time to re-invent its operations and offering, combining its rich heritage with innovative new ideas to emerge stronger than ever. Today, it proudly delivers a high-quality offering that is a credit to its legacy, those that have trod Te Whakarewarewa Valley’s paths for more than 200 years, and its passionate kaimahi.
“Their resilience, passion and commitment epitomise the strength and vision of the Rotorua business community.
“Our people and businesses are a force to be reckoned with, and if we all work together – with council, iwi and government – we can forge an inspirational vision for our city’s future that will make us unstoppable. I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months brings for our city,” says Mr Ingram.
Te Puia would like to acknowledge their iwi owners, local businesses, and suppliers that they collaborate with regularly – the Supreme Award reflects their mahi (work) as well. Ngā mihi (thank you) to their iwi owners – Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa, the Pukeroa Ōruawhata Trust, and Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotū, and Ngāti Te Kahu o Ngāti Whakaue. A special shout out to their suppliers and partners who make what they do possible. To name but a few who have steadfastly stood beside them as they made their way through and out of the pandemic – Kōtihi Reo Consultants Ltd, Rotorua NZ, The Shine Collective, Rotorua Lakes Council, Multi Day Adventures, Bidfood Rotorua, Huntley and Co, Dawson Insurance Brokers, Advanced Information Technologies, Gilmours Wholesale Food & Beverage, Electrical Solutionz BOP Ltd, Clean Boss, Mortimer Print and Design. Thanks also to the Government for supporting the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute training programmes through the pandemic – this support enabled this important part of what they do to be protected.
Secondly, it’s been a rollercoaster at Te Puia… Covid-19’s impacts meant they reduced from 240 staff to 30 staff – they fought to keep the business operating and took a new look at their business model and target markets for the future. Now in 2024 they’ve been able to see the impact of modifying their offering to facilitate more meaningful manuhiri (visitor) interactions changing to guided only experiences and engaging directly with the domestic market as well as international. They have built back to 190 staff, and are looking forward to the summer season ahead. Thank you also to all the locals – their unwavering support has been incredible. Locals played a big part in getting Te Puia through.
Winning the Tompkins Wake Supreme Award and the Rotorua NZ Manaakitanga Tourism and Hospitality Award “is truly humbling and confirmation that through resilience we have come out stronger than ever, combining our rich heritage with innovative ideas. A big thank you to our staff who aim for excellence in everything we do. Our ‘why’ is Toitū te ahurea Māori – Leaders in uplifting Māori culture, which also connects back to our 98-year legacy and the functions in our Act of Parliament. This award in turn uplifts our people in their day-to-day mahi”.
The wairua in the room during the awards was inspirational and it was special to see and learn more about the array of businesses within the Rotorua community, driven by exceptional people. Te Puia are grateful to be working among such a passionate community and look forward to the prosperous future our city holds.
Last but not least, Te Puia would also like to acknowledge the Rotorua Business Chamber, the judges and everyone involved in making the awards happen, as well as the other entrants and finalists who are doing so many incredible visionary things and providing vital employment and opportunity in their community.
The Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards were presented at a gala event at the city’s Energy Events Centre, with a record-breaking 836 people in attendance. Out of 120 entries, 60 were selected as finalists, with 16 winners receiving awards on the night.
Tompkins Wake Chief Executive Jon Calder praised the Rotorua Business Awards for consistently spotlighting exceptional businesses and their contributions to the region.
“The Rotorua Business Awards never fail to showcase the innovation, community impact, sustainable practices, and rich culture that make Rotorua, and its renowned manaakitanga, stand out on the global stage,” Calder said.
“Te Puia’s win is a testament to their resilience and innovation, combining cultural heritage with exceptional visitor experiences. Despite the challenges of recent years, they’ve emerged stronger, showcasing the strength of Rotorua’s business community. Congratulations to Te Puia, the 15 other winners, and all the finalists on the night.”
Another highlight was the presentation of two of Rotorua’s most prestigious business awards: Red Stag Business Person of the Year, this year awarded to Warwick Wilshier of Williams and Wilshier Transport; and Rotorua Lakes Council Outstanding Contribution to Rotorua award, presented to Linley and Rob Parry, from McDonald’s.
“While they come from diverse backgrounds, all three share a commitment to building sustainable enterprises, creating jobs and career pathways, and giving back to the local community,” Calder said. “Rotorua is a better place because of their hard work and success, and it’s an honour to recognise them in this way.”
