A unique tourism initiative Gateway to the North is the result of an ongoing investment by Te Puni Kōkiri, focused on addressing the needs of the Te Hana community, north of Wellsford.

A major milestone was recently achieved with the unveiling of a six metre Kai Poutiaki (traditional carved pole) created by a master carver working with youth and unemployed people from Te Hana. The event cleared the way for the building of the proposed Te Hana Te Ao Marama Cultural Tourism Centre in 2007.

Te Puni Kōkiri has provided resources, advice, brokering and facilitation services to the Te Hana Community Development Charitable Trust.