New Zealand’s business leaders working alongside Māori asset holders into the future.

A panel representing business leaders, the rural sector, national Māori networks and science experts are working to boost Māori economic growth. Members include BusinessNZ, Federation of Māori Authorities (FoMA), Federated Farmers, Industrial Research Limited (IRL) and the National Urban Māori Authority (NUMA). They will focus on improving engagement between industry groups and Māori enterprise. “There are many exciting opportunities for Māori. With the right sort of mentoring and networks with industry groups, there’s some real progress to be made in new areas alongside our Memorandum of Understanding with Federated Farmers, IRL and NUMA,” said FoMA Chief Executive, Te Horipo Karaitiana.

IRL has been working with FoMA and other Māori industry partners to lift performance and productivity.

“The Māori economy is an important part of the NZ Inc journey, so providing multi-sectorial Māori businesses with a ‘one stop shop’ to get better value from their products is vital to New Zealand’s economic growth. Leveraging and growing the $37 billion Māori asset base through science and innovation is going to make a significant impact on the New Zealand economy,” said Gavin Mitchell, IRL’s Industry Engagement General Manager.

National Urban Māori Authority spokesman John Tamihere says the work embraces Māori customs, culture and community within urban centres. “It is the latent talent pool of Māori entrepreneurial activity that takes place in cities. It is the urban Māori who will drive and grow the Māori economy.”