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The Treasury says it wants to develop closer relationships with Maori to reflect the changing shape of New Zealand.
Deputy chief executive Vicky Robertson told the Huihuinga Wahine Maori Women Leadership Summit in Wellington last week that because of its large working age population and the large number of Maori children within the school system, Maori will have a crucial part to play in the future success of New Zealand.
She says the Treasury needs to have a good grasp of these changes if it is going to give effective policy advice.
The former Black Sticks hockey representative told the hui that unlocking the potential of the Maori economy, fostering international connecting and improving education outcomes across society are key to raising New Zealand’s living standards.
New Zealand companies need to become better at not just understanding different cultures, but also find different ways of doing business.
Ms Robertson says that’s where Maori businesses have been leading the way, beause culture is a competitive advantage in an economy based on international connections.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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