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A sacred maori pounamu has been erected to mark Dart River Jet Safaris' Glenorchy Visitor Centre redevelopment.

The large pounamu stone was blessed by Ngai Tahu kaumatua at a special ceremony last week attended by local dignitaries and business supporters.

A mauri pounamu embodies a living, spiritual energy that is shared with all those who touch it and is a powerful symbol of the tribe's relationship to the land.

Waihopai Runanga Upoko Michael Skerrett says the placement of the mauri pounamu strengthens runanga links to the iconic Ngai Tahu Tourism experience and adds a cultural dimension to welcoming visitors to the area.

Skerrett explains "Te Awa Whakatipu (Dart River) is an area of significant cultural importance to Ngai Tahu especially to Southern Runanga. These people have a very strong relationship with the area."

The mauri pounamu was sourced during an expedition to the famed 'Te Koroka' in 2009, led by Ngai Tahu and the Department of Conservation. Rediscovered in 1970, the site had remained untouched for 200 years. The area is protected by a rahui (customary protection) and is designated as a National

Special Area with entry by permit only. The stone is named 'Manatu' by Ngai Tahu elders, meaning 'a precious reminder from the throat of the reclining giant, Te Koroka'. It has recently returned home after nearly two years on show at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Kura Pounamu Exhibition.

Ngai Tahu Tourism Chief Executive John Thorburn says the central placement of the mauri pounamu and invitation to visitors to touch the stone is all part of the welcoming experience to the centre.

Thorburn states "Dart River Jet Safaris is an iwi-owned business and one of the aims of the redevelopment was to showcase Ngai Tahu traditions and share local stories with visitors to the pristine Dart River Valley.

"We have worked closely with Ngai Tahu kaumatua and artists to be able to achieve this."

Interpretative panels and imagery tell the story of Te Koroka as a source of precious pounamu, Ngai Tahu traditional links with the area and the overall beauty of the landscape, which is part of Te Wahi Pounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Ngai Tahu Tourism is one of New Zealand's premier tourism operators and the parent company of an extensive portfolio of iconic adventure and eco-tourism businesses.

From high adrenalin thrills to remote and spectacular World Heritage locations each business offers a range of unique experiences for travellers to and around New Zealand.

South Island operations include Shotover Jet, Dart River Safaris and Hollyford Track Guided Walks in Queenstown. The Glacier Hot Pools and Glacier Walks in Franz Josef, kayaking and Water Taxis in the Abel Tasman National Park. North Island operations include Kiwi Encounter and Kiwi Wildlife Park at Rainbow Springs and the Hukafalls Jet in Taupo. Ngai Tahu Tourism has a significant investment in the Agrodome, Rotorua.

Ngai Tahu Tourism is part of the Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation Limited; the investment company of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu which trades under the name Ngai Tahu Holdings Group.

For more information about Dart River Jet Safaris, visit www.dartriverjetsafaris.com

Image: Michael Skerrit and John Thorburn with Manatu at the blessing ceremony at Dart River Jet Safaris in Glenorchy.

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