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Northland is being used to pilot a new way for the Primary Industries Ministry to work with Maori landowners.
Minister Nathan Guy says Northland is a good place to start because it has significant potential, with a good climate and vast tracts of land suitable for further development.
The ministry has been working with two Maori-owned farms in Northland.
One 270 hectare block was converted to dairying, and a 2480 hectare beef and dairy farm was given technical support to increase productivity.
Mr Guy says other opportunities include the development of a new finfish industry.
The next step in the programme would involve formalising the Government's partnership with the Northland Economic Advisory Group and holding a primary sector hui with partners including iwi, businesses, training and research institutes, Northland regional and district councils, industry organisations and other government agencies.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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