Tourism award for Polynesians

Press, 10 February 1986, Page 14

Tourism award for Polynesians

PA Wellington The winners of the new Kupe scholarships, designed to bring a greater Maori and Pacific Islander contribution to trade and tourism, have been announced.

More than 100 applications were received for the scholarships, which will allow Maori and Pacific Islanders to get university qualifications and then to work for the Tourist and Publicity Department and the Trade and Industry Department. The awards are worth about $54,000 over a three-year period. The Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing, Mr Moore, said that with qualifications and suitable experience, the winners would become eligible for travel and trade commissioner positions overseas. The Labour Party promoted the concept in its last election manifesto. Mr Moore, who is also

Minister of Tourism, said there were no Maori or New Zealand Pacific Islanders in senior trade or travel posts.. "Our political and commercial future is in the Pacific Basin, and it appals me that we have no Maori or Pacific Island New Zealanders as trade and travel commissioners overseas," he said. The scholars are chosen by the Kupe Scholarship Board, comprising representatives of the Tourist and Publicity and Trade and Industry departments, the State Services Commission, the Maori Affairs Department, the Ministry of Education and the Pacific Island Affairs Unit. The six successful applicants are Messrs Paul Diamond, Brian Johnson, and Chad Brown (Trade and Industry), and Haydn Ferris, Rawiri Winiata, and Ms Paula Searle (Tourist and Publicity.)