By Jack Lapauve Jnr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Maori Arts and Culture Institute has invited Papua New Guinea to attend the New Zealand National Indigenous Conference come October. This would give Papua New Guinea officials the opportunity to establish business networks between the two countries.
The invitation was extended to National Planning Minister Richard Maru during the visit to Rotorua.
Like Papua New Guinea, the Maori Culture has its own beliefs and ways of living. The institute preserves the Maori culture and also has different disciplines where students attend classes. The delegation had the privilege of visiting the carving and weaving school; two iconic skills embedded in the Maori Culture.
The Institute wrapped up a successful visit, with an invitation to PNG officials in the tourism sector, to the Indigenous Conference in Rotorua later this year. This presents an opportunity for PNG to learn from the institution and establish a similar organization.
The Planning Minister says PNG needs to learn from New Zealand and preserve its tradition and culture.
PNG’s High Commissioner to New Zealand retired PNGDF Commander Francis Agwi was also part of the delegation that toured the institute.
The Institute has also become a regular tourist attraction. Nearly 500 tourists visit the institution daily while PNG sees fewer than 2,000 a month.
