September 03, 2014
NZTE help for Maori needed
The Maori Party wants government support for Maori exporters as well as more help to develop Maori land.
Releasing the party’s economic policy, Hauraki-Waikato candidate Susan Cullen said the government could do more to nurture the multitude of enterprises that make up the $37 billion Maori economy.
She says the Maori economy is growing at three times the rate of the New Zealand economy and more Maori businesses are ready to trade overseas, so it’s time to establish a Maori trade expert desk at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
The Maori Party also wants Maori representation in all NZTE offices around the world so there is a concerted effort to get more Maori trading overseas.
Ms Cullen says small and medium-sized Maori businesses play a major role in the Maori economy and in the wellbeing of whanau, so there need to be more financial literacy programmes specifically for Maori busineses.
The Maori Party is also promoting a one-off rates exemption to enable unproductive land to be developed.
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