“The World Indigenous Business Forum 2018 is a shining opportunity for Māori to showcase our business and trade success to the indigenous world” says Richard Jefferies, Chair of Te Ohu Whai Ao Trust, the organisation co-ordinating the forum.

“Enterprising Māori will be among the 1000 business leaders from around the globe who are coming to our door. The forum will be bustling with opportunities for partnerships, insights and experience from across the world. Let’s make the most of that” says Mr Jefferies.

[Listen to Mr Jeffries speak about the Forum on Radio Waatea].

A first for New Zealand

This is the first time Aotearoa has hosted the event which takes place in October 2018. The forum has a proven track record of connecting indigenous businesses for the long term. The Aotearoa programme will feature Māori industry fieldtrips, cultural interactions and world-class indigenous speakers.

Rotorua and local iwi on the world stage

Mayor of Rotorua, Steve Chadwick, says there’s no better place than the Bay of Plenty district to serve as host. 

“Rotorua has been founded on Te Arawatanga (Te Arawa culture) which is unique to the Bay of Plenty,” she says

“The forum is a firm reminder of the Rotorua Lakes Council and Te Tatau o Te Arawa partnership, which strives to enhance Rotorua and support its people.” 

Kaumātua and business leader, Monty Morrison has been involved from the start. He attended the 2017 forum in Chile to accept the mauri of hosting rights for 2018.   

“I have seen first-hand what goes in at this event. It’s impressive. Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa look forward to sharing our culture and home later this year. Piki mai kake mai.”

The first forum was held in New York City in 2010 by the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute in Canada. President and Chief Executive Officer Rosa Walker says Rotorua has what it takes to stand alongside some of the world’s biggest host cities.

“Rotorua is the perfect city to host the World Indigenous Business Forum as it has a significant presence of Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. We believe many formidable partnerships will be created at all levels across the forum,” says Ms Walker.

A world-wide event

The anticipated 1000 delegates will include people from Taiwan, Canada, United States of America, Namibia, Nigeria, Guatemala, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Chile, Norway, the Pacific, Colombia and more.

The event is taking place with the support of Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Te Tatau o Te Arawa, Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, Rotorua District Council, Tourism NZ, and Destination Rotorua Marketing.

To register and for more information on the World Indigenous Business Forum visit www.wibf.ca/registration