February 27, 2017
Entries open for Maori business awards
The University of Auckland is on the hunt for inspirational Maori business leaders.
Associate Professor Chellie Spiller, the associate dean, Maori and Pacific at the university's buasiness school, says the annual Aotearoa Maori Business Leaders Awards are a chance to recognise the massive contributions made by Maori business leaders, both as individuals and organisations, to a strong and growing economy that is grounded in Maori worldviews
Past individual winners include Ngarimu Blair, Jamie Tuuta, Miriana Stephens, Mavis Mullins, Sir Ralph Norris, and Ian Taylor.
Organisations honoured have included Ngai Tahu Holdings, Tainui Group Holdings, Tuaropaki Trust and Wakatu Incorporation.
Business consultant Karen Vercoe, who was last year’s recipient of the Dame Mira Szaszy Maori Alumni Award, says the recognition led to new clients, being invited to sit on commercial and not for profit boards, and being asked to mentor other Maori entrepreneurs.
It also meant her whanau saw her as a positive role model.
Nominations close March 17, and winners will be announced at a dinner in Auckland on May 12.
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