Full Document: PDF 949KB - Te Puni Kokiri

MAI TE MANAHAUTÜ
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Opportunities abound for Mäori in Waiariki
rohe to capitalise on the economic potential of
their asset base.
Mäori are fast moving from passive rent
receivers to active business operators and
partners. This paradigm shift is realising
successful economic gains for Mäori across
the rohe.
Further investigation of the productive use and
value of assets in this rohe will consolidate
and nurture that potential. Concurrently Mäori
will generate the skills and knowledge required
for continuous improvement in social and
economic well-being.
The present strength of Mäori in the Waiariki
rohe is their asset base. This asset base is
currently concentrated in the primary industry
and is driven by land ownership. Further, a
substantial proportion of the asset base in this
rohe is held in collective ownership.
Over the last 10 years, the assets of Mäori
entities have grown. This has created a
challenge in terms of distributing income, and
managing and further growing the asset.
This report demonstrates, at a broad level,
the significance of Mäori in the economic
development of the Waiariki rohe, and the
role Mäori can play in influencing economic
change and direction in this rohe.
Te Puni Kökiri intends that this report will
assist in the development of robust strategies
and resilient relationships, and contribute to
strengthening Mäori economic development
in the Waiariki region. It should be used
in conjunction with other strategies and
economic development projects, and be
seen as a platform for encouraging further
investigation and discussion.
Te Puni Kökiri acknowledges Kel Sanderson,
Fiona Stokes and Adrian Slack of Business
Economic and Research Limited (BERL), the
authors of this report.
Te Puni Kökiri would also like to thank all
those individuals and organisations who have
contributed in numerous ways to this report.
In particular, acknowledgement is given to
the Bay of Plenty Mäori Economic Forum for
their expert knowledge and guidance with the
research and in the compilation of this report.
Ngä mihinui
Leith Comer
Chief Executive
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