November 07, 2014
$3b investment needed for growth
A consultant for the iwi leaders group says it’s time to tackle the issue of under-performing Maori land.
Willie Te Aho along with Ngapuhi chair Sonny Tau were part of a post-election briefing this week for Finance Minister Bill English, which covered issues such as freshwater reform, proposed changes to Maori land law and iwi economic development.
He says the Ministry of Primary Industries has estimated that bringing Maori land into full production could unlock up to $8 billion a year in extra revenue, as well as create 3600 jobs.
"That’s going to require $3 billion of investment and so what we’re looking at is enhancing Te Tumu Paeroa or the Maori Trustee so that they can take on that role, secondly not only secure government funding but also if the propositions are right iwi will also join that funding as will other lands trusts and incorporations," Mr Te Aho says.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH WILLIE TE AHO CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjM4MzI=
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