September 27, 2019
FOMA challenges apathy to Māori aspirations
Climate change, trade, management of natural resources, and fighting apathy are on the agenda of the Federation of Māori Authorities' 32nd annual conference starting in Nelson today.
Chair Traci Houpapa says FOMA members are responsible for more than $11 billion in assets.
They take the conference theme of ngā taonga tuku iho or treasures handed down seriously in looking for ways to get returns for their people.
She says the organisation is always fighting to ensure the Māori voice is heard.
"I think our biggest challenge for FOMA and for Māori right now is apathy, making sure our people are at the table, that government takes us seriously, that industry work alongside us, and that both government and industry provide us with the necessary and adequate resource and support to get things moving," Ms Houpapa says.
She says FOMA members can't solve all the social ills affecting Māori, but they can play a part.
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