February 16, 2018
Whanau strength in Maori business
Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta says while iwi-led business is important, a large portion of the Maori economy is small scale whanau-led enterprises.
Opening the Maori business networks conference in Tauranga today, Ms Mahuta said a strong partnership between central government, Maori business and whanau, and their partners in the wider community is essential to further boosting Maori economic performance.
She said small-to-medium Maori enterprises, either employers or self-employed Maori, make up a large portion of the Maori economy.
The biggest Maori contribution to the wider econÂomy is still Maori earning salaries and wages, and with a young Maori population, this contribution will significantly increase over the next 20 years.
Ms Mahuta encouraged Maori businesses to strengthen whanau relationships, work with other Maori, and innovate in areas of established strength, with a special focus on rangatahi to ensure future success.
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