A new website has been launched to promote Māori services and products within the Waiariki and Bay of Plenty regions.

Māori2011.com was launched in July to promote Māori businesses based in Taupō, Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatāne.

In response to potential business opportunities the Rugby World Cup 2011 will bring to the regions, Te Puni Kōkiri Te Arawa worked with Māori in Tourism Rotorua (MITR) and others throughout the wider Te Arawa and Te Moana Ā Toi rohe to develop a region-wide collaborative approach to Māori business.

At the launch of Māori2011.com, Te Arawa Regional Director, Wally Tangohau, said that Māori2011.com will have benefits for Māori businesses beyond Rugby World Cup 2011. The website was launched with listings for 78 Māori businesses, and the number is expected to grow.

“Māori2011com connects Māori businesses with similar visions but different products and services to a global market,” said Wally. “Also included on the website are details for marae-based ventures and new and established Māori and Small-Medium Enterprises.”

The website will also promote Māori-led activities within the Waiariki and Bay of Plenty regions, such as the Tribal Rugby festival in Rotorua from 11-13 October 2011, and Māori week which is part of the Real Tauranga festival. Similar festivals are being developed for Taupō and Whakatāne.

For more information email mereheni@Māori2011.com.