May 20, 2016
Kiwifruit bonanza plan for Te Kaha
Maori landowners at Omaio near Te Kaha are considering a plan to convert up to 150 hectares from maize to kiwifruit orchards in Omaio.
Chris Karamea Insley from Te Rau Aroha Charitable Trust says the so called Omaio strategy could create a 10,000 per cent lift in economic productivity for local whanau and create 100 new jobs in the immediate area.
He puts the value of the enterprise to Omaio, Otuwhare and Waiorore whanau and hapu at between $100 million and $200 million.
The plan will be launched tomorrow during a visit to Omaio Marae from Minister of Maori Development Hon Te Ururoa Flavell and Zespri International director Lain Jager
Mr Insley says up to 60 land blocks could be converted over the next five years, with the first harvest expected to take place in 2021-22.
The kaupapa has been designed to promote the sustainable development of whanau lands, while balancing economic, social, environmental and cultural values and objectives.
Its core purpose is to support whanau and landowners through leadership development, and support of education, health and aged and disability care.
KARAMEA CHRIS INLSEY INTERVIEW
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