May 30, 2013
Board to oversee Māori economic strategy
Ngāti Kahungunu Chair Ngahiwi Tomoana, has been appointed to head a five member advisory board which will assist in the implementation of the Māori Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, He Kai Kei Aku Ringa.
Mr Tomoana also chaired the Māori Economic Development Panel that came up with the plan for Māori economic development through to 2040.
Other members include fellow panellist Debbie Ngarewa Packer, who is Chief Executive of South Taranaki iwi Ngāti Ruanui; Māori Tourism Association Chief Executive Pania Tyson-Nathan; Wairarapa Moana Incorporation chair Kingi Smiler; and Wairoa farmer Hilton Collier.
Māori Affairs Minister, Pita Sharples says the plan's goals to support Māori economic growth include building a skilled workforce through better education, increasing financial literacy and savings, developing natural resources, and developing the idea of Māori Inc to drive economic growth.
Because Māori economic development is now the responsibility of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the advisory board will report to both Dr Sharples and Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.
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