Earlier this year, Princess Cruises, one of the largest cruise ship companies in the world, requested cultural presenters for special interactive Maori workshops when its vessels berthed in Dunedin.
Princess Cruises entertainment department enrichment programmes manager Robert Smolkin said the company was developing a similar cultural programme in Tauranga aimed at bringing "authentic Maori culture to our passengers".
Showing New Zealand's cultural diversity helped differentiate the country from other destinations, offering passengers"something that's unique about New Zealand that cannot be mistaken for another destination".
"We're looking forward to building bridges and long-term partnerships with Maori communities, much as we have done in other parts of the world, so that we can bring a healthy dose of authentic local culture to Princess Cruises passengers."
Ngai Tahu representative Rua McCallum is organising a group of local Maori to help present the workshops, which begin when Sapphire Princess arrives on October 19.
The hour-long presentation was likely to involve language lessons, teaching poi, waiata, local stories, and flax weaving, and was designed to be interactive and informative.
"It is a presentation, not a performance."
The presentation, which would begin at 4pm on each of the 23 Princess Cruise ship visits this season, would be designed for those passengers who had not left Port Chalmers, or those returning from a day exploring Dunedin, she said.
In addition, the group will be able to sell some wares through each vessel's giftshop, which would include carvings and weaving.
Ms McCallum said it was an exciting opportunity, and may be extended if the initial season went well.
"We aren't in it for the money, but we are keen to promote tribal interests here in Dunedin."
