Prince Harry has launched a new campaign relating to sustainable travel — inspired directly by Te Ao Maori.
The Duke of Sussex’s new venture, Travalyst, is a non-profit, eco travel organisation which aims to help consumers make more sustainable travel choices.
“Māori culture inherently understands sustainable practices and taking better care of our life-giving land, which are critical lessons we can all learn” — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
This comes as it was announced by Prince Harry himself, on our Partners’ current affair show, Te Ao with Moana, which he chose to launch the campaign.
“I’ve been to Āotearoa a number of times throughout my life and I’ve always felt a deep connection and respect toward the Māori people who make me feel so welcome every time,” Prince Harry shares, “Māori culture inherently understands sustainable practices and taking better care of our life-giving land, which are critical lessons we can all learn and that is why I’m here with you on Te Ao [with] Moana to share a new kaupapa.”
Travalyst will collect data from travel organisations like Google and Skycanner in order to help consumers to more easily find information on flights with lower emissions.
Prince Harry also shared how he was impressed with the Tiaki Promise, an effort created by Tourism New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Māori Tourism, Tourism Holdings Limited — and our Partners, Air New Zealand — encouraging all travellers to act as guardians of Āotearoa.
“Isn’t it interesting that, here’s Prince Harry, a royal, [who has] no problem with embracing Māori values as a way forward. It makes you wonder what our problem is here with power-sharing and trusting — that Māori might have a solution,” shares host, Moana Maniapoto.
We’re proud to see Te Ao Māori influence business and organisational practise internationally, and look forward to seeing the momentum and inspiration this sparks.
Hear more about this launch and how Te Ao Māori influenced its practise — and watch the full kōrero with Prince Harry here.