A central North Island incorporation is bucking the recession by opening a new tourism centre focused on the ecological and cultural benefits of flax.
Maraeroa C's Pa Harakeke Eco Cultural Centre at Pureora includes a processing plant, a showroom, nursery and a plantation with 2000 varieties of harakeke.
Waatea News reports operating costs have been kept deliberately low for the start-up phase.
Chief executive Glen Katu says elders from Rereahu and Maniapoto are contributing their stories on local events and history.
