Māori businesses and asset holders across the country are set to benefit from a strengthened relationship between the Federation of Māori Authorities (FoMA) and the Industrial Research Institute (IRL). The deal will see key staff from the industry-focused Crown Research Institute seconded to work within the federation. IRL’s Māori Industry Development Manager, Reece Moors (Tainui, Te Arawa) began his secondment in July.

Federation chief executive Te Horipo Karaitiana says members manage a collective asset base worth $8 billion that potentially could be worth much more.

“I have just returned from China with Minister Sharples’ Maori business delegation and can see how we can get better value for our products using science and innovation.”

IRL will help run a series of fore-sighting workshops where local and international innovation and commercialisation experts will work with federation members to help structure their innovation plans for 30 years or more into the future. Growing young Māori scientists and engineers will also be high on the agenda for the federation and IRL as they work with other stakeholders to develop a Māori science and business internship programme that will place young Maori talent in Māori businesses and across industry sectors.