our whakapapa
our why
Our whānau (extended family) traces its ancestry through Awarua and the wider Murihiku rohe (region). These landscapes and coastlines hold the stories of our people — stories of resilience, settlement, movement, industry and innovation. Murihiku Māori Tours is our whānau way of connecting people to this whenua (land), in an authentic and respectful way.
This venture is part of our whānau journey of indigenisation (re-centering Māori identity and practices) — living, working and leading as Māori in all we do. We are proud to welcome manuhiri (visitors / guests) into our home region, sharing stories appropriate for visitors, while keeping sacred and precious knowledge where it belongs: with whānau and rūnaka (tribal council).
Our Commitment:
To host with warmth, integrity, and care
To give manuhiri (visitors) a genuine glimpse into Māori values and beliefs
To represent our rūnaka (tribal council) respectfully
To uplift our whānau through meaningful employment and contribution
A Whānau-Led Venture:
This business is truly whānau-powered. Keri and David personally guide each tour. Keri’s sister provides beautiful seasonal snack boxes. Looking ahead, we aim to create employment opportunities for our wider whānau as the venture grows.
Meet your hosts
Keri and David offer a unique blend of cultural insight, local knowledge, and genuine warmth. Their hosting style is relaxed and thoughtful — a modern expression of Māori values in action.
KERI MILNE-IHIMAERA
Keri has whakapapa (genealogical) ties to Ruapuke Island and Invercargill, giving her a genuine mana whenua (local tribal authority) connection to Awarua and the broader Murihiku region. She brings deep expertise in Māori development, education, research, and cultural leadership. Her work across Aotearoa has always centred tino rangatiratanga (Māori self-determination), authentic Māori voice, and the revitalisation of Māori knowledge systems.
On tour, Keri shares stories of place, people, and history in a way that is warm, personal and grounded — weaving together her whānau (family) stories, whakapapa (genealogy), environment, local narratives and contemporary Māori life.
DAVID IHIMAERA
David holds whānau connections to the Far North, and his deep cultural knowledge, humility and respect for the role of mana whenua (local tribal authority) have seen him warmly welcomed and embraced in the South. David is a storyteller, known for his hospitality, humour and genuine care for people. He ensures every manuhiri (visitor) feels welcome, safe and at home — embodying true manaakitanga (hospitality, generosity)
our values
Manaakitanga (hospitality, generosity): We host with generosity, care, and genuine southern warmth
Whakapapa (genealogy, ancestral connections): Our stories and perspectives come from generations of connection to Awarua.
Indigenisation (living and leading as Māori in contemporary contexts): Our innovation is living and leading as Māori — naturally, confidently and without compromise.
Kaitiakitanga (guardianship, care for the environment): We honour our landscapes and take only what is appropriate to share.
Authenticity: We share real histories, real insights and real experiences. No costumes. No staged culture.
Whānau (family): This business is led, supported, and sustained by our whānau — together.