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Leadership, not legislation is being seen as the key to making Maori land more productive.
The government is considering a major overhaul of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act, arguing it is holding back the development of Maori land.
Maori Trustee Jamie Tuuta, whose organisation Te Tumu Paeroa helps manage more than 100,000 hectares of Maori land, says since taking up the role he has tried to identify the key ingredients for successful land use.
A good example is Te Kaha 14B2 Trust, whose Hamama kiwifruit orchard has just won the PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award for commitment to people, community and passion for sustainable practice.
" A group of engaged active owners who had an aspoiration to better utilise their land and the ability to work together internally as Maori land owners but also to recognise were there were gaps. Not being afraid to partner with the right partners that could bring both capital and expertise. And I think Hamama is successful example what can be achieved currently" he says.
Jamie Tuuta says the greatest Maori asset is people, and he’d like to see effort going in to building capacity and encouraging good governance, good decision making and exemplar management on farm or orchards.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE TUUTA CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjcxMjg=
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