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The hapu who own the Waitomo Caves are celebrating 125 years of professional guiding in the world famous attraction.
A ceremony was held at the caves on Saturday to mark the anniversary, and there will be other events including a grand ball, stargazing and a story telling night.
Head guide Huia Davis, who is a descendant of one of the original guides Tane Tinorau, says Ngati Uekaha and Ngati Ruapuha have become far more involved since ownership was returned to them.
" There’s very much more of a tikanga Maori component to the tours nowadays and I think that's added much more for the visitors experience" he says.
Huia Davis says as well as getting jobs in the cave complex, many whanau have created tourism businesses in the area.
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