February 03, 2017
Iwi-Crown taumata to boost Maori economy
The Government has agreed to create an Iwi-Crown Economic Taumata that will meet twice a year for high level discussions between economic ministers and iwi chairs on issues of economic significance to both parties.
Announcing the taumata at the Iwi Chairs Forum in Waitangi today, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges said iwi were an increasingly important economic driver in the New Zealand economy.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell said the meetings will focus on economic drivers and opportunities arising from He kai kei aku ringa – the Crown-Maori Economic Growth Partnership, which looks at employment, enterprise development, education, rangatahi and regional development.
He said it will help raise the living standards of Maori.
Ngati Kahungunu chair Ngahiwi Tomoana, who has headed past Maori economic development groups, said it represents a significant step up in Crown-Maori relations.
Maori assets are growing fast, and iwi need to be at the table partnering with the Crown to ensure economic progress drives social progress in a whanau centred, tikanga based way.”
Iwi will be represented at the meetings by up to six iwi chairs. The Government will be represented by the Ministers of Finance, Economic Development, Primary Industries and Maori Development, with additional Ministers added on an issue by issue basis.
The first meeting is scheduled for April.
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