Indigenous tourism programme enters fourth year

Applications have opened for the 2026 Native Nations Indigenous Youth Leadership Exchange, with 10 Māori rangatahi set to take part in a fully sponsored cultural exchange between Aotearoa and Central Australia.

Now in its fourth year, the programme uses Indigenous tourism, cultural exchange and leadership development to connect young Indigenous people while creating pathways into education, employment and community leadership. Since launching in 2023, Native Nations has brought together participants from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Vanuatu.

This year’s programme, Ngā Ara Tūpuna – The Ancestral Pathways, will bring together 10 Māori rangatahi and 10 Aboriginal young people for exchanges across Aotearoa in August before continuing through Central Australia, including Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges), Yulara and Uluru.

Founder Nadine ToeToe says the programme demonstrates the power of Indigenous tourism to strengthen cultural identity and leadership.

“Many of our rangatahi begin this journey believing they’re simply going on an exchange. They return home with something much greater – a stronger sense of identity, lifelong Indigenous connections and the confidence to lead within their own communities.”

Beyond youth development, Native Nations says the programme has helped inspire Indigenous tourism partnerships, regenerative tourism trails and ongoing collaboration between Indigenous tourism operators across participating countries. The initiative is supported by a range of tourism operators, iwi, educational institutions and philanthropic organisations in New Zealand and Australia.

Applications close on July 11 for Māori aged 18–24 who whakapapa to participating iwi, with the exchange fully funded, including travel, accommodation and cultural experiences.