With an overarching aim to increase Māori employment, representatives from successful industries begin by identifying skills the future Māori workforce will need.

“This work has the potential to be a landmark initiative for our generation,” said Te Ohu Kaimoana Chief Executive Peter Douglas who will be leading this work.

Mr Douglas said the group would initially undertake a skills analysis of what each industry will require in the future. He expected the first meeting to look at regional employment specialties and opportunities, essential skill requirements for management positions and raising potential in-work training roles.

The skills analysis aims to increase Māori employment and participants include DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ, Federated Farmers, Seafood NZ, NZ Oil and Gas, BusinessNZ, Māori Tourism, Tourism Industry Association, Māori Trustee, Primary Industry ITO, National Urban Māori Authority and the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA).

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said identifying skills required by key industries is important for future Māori employment success.

“We’ve been contemplating this kind of work for some time given the strong relationships we’ve been developing with some iwi. We’re confident we can work together to formulate how Māori can play an even bigger role in growing the success of the dairy industry,” said DairyNZ chief executive, Tim Mackle.

Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Martin Snedden says Māori culture is a key driver for New Zealand as a tourism destination and it’s vital Māori are involved in talks to ensure NZ tourism embraces Māori culture.