The demands of the post-modern tourist are transforming communities. These demands include the want for an ‘authentic experience’. Consequently local tourism products, particularly those that are Māori, are a potential source of economic advantage. Therefore national tourism policy and regional economic integration are increasingly becoming dependent upon locally driven innovations. The central thesis of this project is that Māori tourism development driven from the local level, (i.e. has its genesis at the community level) will successfully lead to stronger economic and social development. The intended outcomes of this project are to increase understanding between public and private tourism sectors focusing on maximising Māori economic development opportunities and how then to balance the tension between economic development and the important elements of Māori culture and identity. The research findings showed that, in the context of Māori economic development, tourism is important. The notion of ‘authenticity’ promotes the development of community driven tourism products while concurrently encouraging identity (re)-creation and economic benefits to those communities. Challenges to how ‘authenticity’ is achieved, through both economic and social streams, continuously demands robust research that reflects unique characteristics of communities, so as to support potential hapu driven tourism enterprises.