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Big Presence for Maori Business at the Small Business Expo
Champions of Maori Business to star at Small Business Expo
Auckland, 8 May 2006 – At this year’s Small Business Expo at the ASB Showgrounds there will be a big presence from key
Maori organisations that support the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) sector and Maori business in New Zealand.
In partnership with the Expo, Te Puni Kokiri’s newly established Maori Business Development Zone, which promotes growing
the business of Aotearoa, will be a highlight at the event, featuring Lake Taupo Funds, Maori Women’s Development and NZ
Maori Tourism Council, to name a few.
Hon Parekura Horomia, Minister of Maori Affairs says he is delighted that Te Puni Kokiri ensured such a strong place for
Maori business at the Expo, given the contribution that Maori make to the small business sector.
“I feel encouraged when I see the growing number of Maori entrepreneurs and organizations such as Te Puni Kokiri brings
together to champion and support them. Over the last three years Maori exceeded non-Maori in the total entrepreneurial
activity stakes and many Maori entrepreneurs continue to express their confidence and optimism about business
opportunities. No doubt this spirit will also be reflected among the Maori exhibitors at the Small Business Expo” says
the Minister.
Sarah Trotman, Small Business Sector Specialist and organiser of the Expo says they are very pleased to see so many
Maori organisations represented at the Small Business Expo 2006, particularly for the many Maori small business owners
that attend.
“Its great to see the Maori Business Development Zone which highlights organisations that provide support for Maori
business owners,” says Ms. Trotman.
“In addition, a key partner to the Expo, Te Puni Kokiri, are showcasing its Maori Business Facilitation Service which
plays an important role in encouraging a more dynamic small to medium enterprises start up market through helping and
supporting those with the desire, skill and opportunity to start a business.”
Maori exhibitors at the Expo include;
- Poutama Maori Business Trust; A charitable trust established to provide business development services to Maori,
Poutama strives to create an environment for successful business ventures and economic growth, and create an enterprise
and entrepreneur culture among Maori.
- Te Puni Kokiri Business Facilitation Services; a free business development service for Maori interested in starting up
a business or wanting to improve an existing business. The service is for commercial opportunities and targets small to
medium-sized businesses, and operates from the Te Puni Kokiri and Maori Trust Office regional offices. They match those
interested with an Accredited Business Mentor who acts as their adviser, helping develop the business or business idea.
CEO of Te Puni Kokiri Leith Comer will also speak about the Maori contribution to the economy as part of the Microsoft
Seminar Series.
- Lake Taupo Funds Limited; a Maori investment company providing investment services to Maori organisations,
institutions, hapu, iwi, and whanau throughout New Zealand. Lake Taupo Funds also believe in using Maori cultural
principles as a foundation for economic development and focus on Maori-owned entities with multiple or collective
ownership.
- Federation of Maori Authorities; arguably New Zealand's largest Maori business network with a voluntary membership of
Maori Incorporations, Maori Land Trusts, Maori Trusts Boards and Runanga, and emerging communally owned entities. Their
mission is to progressively foster and promote the development, sound management and the economic advancement of Maori
Authorities and in turn the wider Maori communities they benefit.
- New Zealand Maori Tourism Council; provides a strong platform for Maori operators to work collectively to improve
industry standards and
identify opportunities. The organisation benefits Maori in tourism, the tourism industry and the economy as a whole.
- Maori Women’s Development Inc (MWDI); MWDI’s underlying approach is to provide a high quality professional
cost-effective lending service. They encourage Maori women and Maori men into business, building a network of Maori in
business and establishing innovative marketing to sell and distribute. Noted figure Dame Georgina Kirby is the founder
and director of the organisation.
- Toi Maori; develop and promote contemporary Maori art. Representing ten National Artform Committees, Toi Maori
provides advocacy for Maori art and artists. They also promote the growing audience for Maori arts and argue for the
uniqueness, quality and integrity of Maori arts.
Key sponsors of the Small Business Expo are Vero, Microsoft, Vodafone, the Employers and Manufacturers Association
(EMA), the New Zealand Herald, and Newstalk ZB.
The Small Business Expo commences on 10 May at the ASB Showgrounds and runs until 12 May. Tickets cost $20 and include
all three days of the Expo.
ENDS