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BUSINESS GROWTH AGENDA
Innovation,
exports and
people key to
Mäori business
Innovation, exports and people are key to the
future and the history of the Mäori economy
Mäori Affairs Minister Hon Dr Pita Sharples
told participants at the Federation of Mäori
Authorities’ (FoMA) November AGM in Taupö.
“Before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed,
Mäori entrepreneurs were leading New
Zealand’s first overseas trade missions, they
were helping to establish our sheep industry
and exporting produce direct to Australia on
their own ships,” says Dr Sharples.
“Nearly two centuries later Mäori
entrepreneurs are still leading overseas
trade missions, we are key players in the
agribusiness sector and developing new
export markets particularly in Asia.”
Research commissioned by Te Puni Kökiri
two years ago found the Mäori economy
was worth nearly $37 billion and comprised
mainly of small to medium sized enterprises.
“Treaty settlements did not create the Mäori
economy. Mäori collectively-owned farming
businesses are arguably some of New Zealand’s
oldest, existing businesses,” says Dr Sharples.
With many Mäori businesses land based it’s
critical to use science and research to boost
returns on primary products.
“We need to become price setters – not
just price takers. If we add value to our raw
products we create jobs, optimise export
value and importantly provide diversification
in our national economy. Te Arawa FoMA’s
pioneering agribusiness research is an
example of this.”
“We need our children to see
the world through the eyes of
an innovator, an entrepreneur:
to see the world as their ancestors did.
Every Mäori child, every whänau needs
to join us on this journey.”
Next year marks the eightieth year of the
Ahuwhenua, Mäori Farmer of the Year
Competition and Te Puni Kökiri is one again
one of the major sponsors. Dr Sharples
launched the competition while at the AGM.
“Back when it started, New Zealand was in
the grips of the Great Depression. Our export
industry was on its knees, average farm
incomes dropped below zero. Incredibly it
was in this environment that Mäori Affairs
Minister Sir Apirana Ngata fought back,
setting up land development schemes,
travelling the country and launching this
competition.”
Dr Sharples paid tribute to generations of
Mäori who not only helped establish New
Zealand’s agribusiness industry: but who
continue to play a major role in its future.
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