Panel appointed to raise return on Maori assets
The government has called for a Maori economic development strategy and action plan.
The government has called for a Maori economic development strategy and action plan.
To achieve that goal, it has established an independent panel to report back to Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples and Economic Development Minister David Carter by July 2012.
The panel’s job is to help raise the rate of return on Maori-owned assets, and to grow the Maori contribution to New Zealand’s economy by providing a framework for Maori and the government to work together better,” Dr Sharples said.
“This Maori economic development panel will produce strategic recommendations on improving the infrastructure and overall collaboration of the Māori/iwi economy, and on Māori/iwi economic development in the context of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand and the wider global economy."
Realising the potential of the Māori economy could contribute to achieving a more internationally competitive New Zealand economy, he said.
"The Māori Economic Taskforce was phase one, highlighting the need for co-ordinated and sophisticated planning around Māori economic issues. We believe that the time is now right for phase two - to develop a broader, future-oriented Maori economic strategy and action plan,” he said.
The strategy and action plan will identify ways to improve the performance and productivity of the Māori economic sector, and clarify the role, and identify the contribution that the government can make to improving the performance of the Māori economic sector, Dr Sharples said.
A 2010 BERL report revealed the Maori economy totals nearly $37 billion, but raised questions as to whether it was delivering to its potential,” Mr Carter said.
Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Economic Development will provide support to the panel, and it will be funded within their existing budgets.
The panel members are Ngāhiwi Tomoana (chairman), Greg Whitred, Debbie Packer, Roger Pikia, Graham Stuart, Gina Rangi, Glen Tupuhi, June McCabe, Mark Solomon and Bevan Graham.
Colin Williscroft
Wed, 14 Sep 2011
Wed, 14 Sep 2011
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Panel appointed to raise return on Maori assets
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