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This paper presents an overview of how national park interpretation in New Zealand is incorporating Mâori perspectives of cultural landscapes. Since the formation of the Department of Conservation in 1987, interpretive material containing information about the relationship between local iwi (Mâori tribal groups) and natural areas has increased. Co-operative management strategies have been instigated by the Depart-ment to ensure that interpretation conveying Mâori perspectives and cultural values for the landscape is accurate and authorised by iwi members. The paper analyses the findings from a survey that asked visitors about their experiences of the cultural inter-pretation at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. At this site, Department of Conservation staff aim to (1) increase visitors ’ understanding of the Mâori relationship to the land and (2) direct appropriate visitor behaviour whilst in the area. Many survey respondents were unaware of the relationship between Mâori and the area prior to their visit, despite reporting cultural activities and experiences with indigenous peoples as travel motivators. On-site interpretation contributed to raising visitors’ awareness that the landscape has special significance to local iwi, thus providing a cultural dimension to the visitors ’ experiences at this internationally renowned natural area.
Anna Carr (Wed,) studied this question.