November 06, 2012
Māori authorities look to upskill next generation
The Federation of Māori Authorities sees opportunities for Māori to become the next generation of farmers and horticulturalists.
The federation, whose members manage about $8 billion in collective Maori assets, held its 25th anniversary conference in Taupo over the weekend.
Chief Executive Te Horipo Karaitiana says the message coming through was that Maori primary producers need to up their exports.
He says that will involve adding more value, and also requires trusts and incorporations to develop their people.
"New Zealand primary industry is at a crisis regarding skills. The Maori population is relatively young. There is a great opportunity here for Maori to become skilled within primary industries and to drive primary industries so developing our young people at all levels is critical too," Mr Karaitiana says.
Profits on Māori land not only go to shareholders but to cultural purposes such as the up keep of marae and to education grants and scholarships for their young people.
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