One of Aotearoa’s most respected Māori tourism leaders, Nadine ToeToe, joined Dale Husband on He Rerererahua for an inspiring kōrero about her life, career and the kaupapa that has transformed Kohutapu Lodge and Tribal Tours into a globally recognised example of regenerative Indigenous tourism.
Watch the full video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KeVCM44Fr/
Raised with a deep connection to her whenua and whakapapa, ToeToe reflected on a career spanning more than two decades in tourism before returning home to Murupara alongside her husband Karl to establish a business rooted not in commercial tourism alone, but in creating lasting benefits for whānau, hapū and iwi. Today, Kohutapu Lodge welcomes visitors from around the world while remaining firmly grounded in Ngāti Manawa values and community aspirations.
During the interview, ToeToe spoke about using tourism as a force for positive change rather than simply an economic activity. She explained how every visitor becomes part of a wider story—learning about Māori culture through authentic lived experiences while directly contributing to local employment, environmental restoration and rangatahi development.
The conversation explored how Māori culture has increasingly become one of New Zealand’s greatest tourism strengths. What was once viewed as an optional addition to the visitor experience is now increasingly recognised by both domestic and international travellers as central to understanding Aotearoa’s identity, creating new opportunities for Māori-led tourism enterprises.
ToeToe also discussed her work beyond Kohutapu Lodge, including Native Nations, an Indigenous tourism initiative that brings together First Nations peoples from around the world to share knowledge, strengthen cultural identity and develop regenerative approaches to tourism that place people and the environment at the centre of decision-making.
Throughout the interview, Dale Husband explored the personal journey behind the success, touching on the challenges of building a business in a rural community, balancing whānau life with leadership, and remaining committed to tikanga while operating in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.
The kōrero reinforced that Indigenous tourism is about far more than showcasing culture. It is about protecting identity, strengthening communities, creating meaningful employment and ensuring future generations inherit thriving whenua alongside thriving businesses.
For listeners of He Rerererahua, Nadine ToeToe’s story served as a reminder that when Māori lead tourism on their own terms, visitors leave with more than photographs—they leave with deeper understanding, stronger connections and a renewed appreciation for the people and places that make Aotearoa unique.
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