Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga are two Maori concepts that we embody at Tongariro River Rafting. Kaitiakitanga translates to guardianship of the land and Manaakitanga translates to hospitality; making everyone feel welcome and nurturing relationships.
Kaitiakitanga
At Tongariro River Rafting we exhibit Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) through our Blue Duck project. The Blue Duck project aims to rejuvenate the diminished population of our endemic Blue Duck (Whio) species by eradicating introduced pests such as rats and stoats. By using a combination of DOC and Good Nature traps we run an extensive trapping program along the Tongariro River’s edge to target introduced species that drive biodiversity loss. In addition to this we encourage conservation through our Blue Duck Trip. Here you are given the opportunity to check that the traps are baited and functioning as well as donate towards the trust. As $10 from each person traveling is given to the project.
Manaakitanga
Manaakitanga is a central value at Tongariro River Rafting as it is in Maori society. It refers to hospitality and how we as hosts make our visitors feel welcome. Our team come from all over the world and from all walks of life, enabling us to relate to all our different customers. We also pride ourselves on providing an authentic experience where our guides genuine personalities shine through to welcome you to their second home, the river.