E Tupu Governance Courses Boost Maori Agribusiness

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 11 January 2007

E Tupu Governance Courses - A Boost for Maori Agribusiness

The final two E Tupu Governance Agribusiness Courses for Directors and Trustees of Maori Incorporations and Trusts will be held in Hamilton and Te Kuiti on February 16 and 17.

Well known Maori businessman, Tukoroirangi (Tuku) Morgan, Chairman of Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust, says all Maori organisations with an interest in agribusiness would benefit from involving members of their Trustees in an E Tupu workshop.

“There are real opportunities in rural business and we must ensure that we are able to maximise the potential of our land and return good dividends to our shareholders.”

“The agribusiness sector is a major contributor to the New Zealand economy and Maori farm significant areas. We need to take every opportunity we can to build this business by learning from each other as well as learning from the experts. That’s what these courses offer.”

Zennex Corporation Director, Roger Pikia, who is also the Tainui representative on the Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA), says while the performance of Maori agribusiness has risen considerably over the past few years, improvements need to be made in the areas of governance and leadership. The Bank of New Zealand Maori Excellence in Farming Award has highlighted how important these elements are in successful operations, he said.

“Directors and Trustees of agribusiness Trusts and Incorporations are a vital link in ensuring that Maori-owned farms continue to grow their productivity and financial performance. To do that they need good planning, communication and monitoring skills”, Mr Pikia said.

The courses have been developed by Meat & Wool New Zealand and Zennex Corporation with funding from Te Puni Kokiri to strengthen Maori-owned farm businesses, by lifting production and financial performance through successful governance and leadership. The course content relates to building governance and leadership skills, Meat & Wool New Zealand Skills and Training Manager, Allan Frazer said.

Ten courses have already been staged around the country and have been well received by participants as providing valuable information to improve governance performance.

The Hamilton course will be held on Friday 16th February at Novotel Tainui Hamilton, 7 Alma Street, Hamilton, with the Te Kuiti course the next day, Saturday 17th February, at Wintec Conference Room, Tiroa House, 37-39 Taupiri St, Te Kuiti.

The courses start at 8.30am and finish at 4pm, with registration costing $100 per participant. To gain maximum value, Trusts and Incorporations are encouraged to involve all members and the registration cost will be capped at $300 per Trust or Incorporation.

Registration forms can be obtained from www.meatandwoolnz.com

The courses are supported by Te Puni Kokiri, the Bank of New Zealand, MAF Sustainable Farming Fund and the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation.
For further information and to register please contact Hamilton-based Roger Pikia of Zennex Corporation mobile 029 838 5264 or Phyllis Rankin, Meat & Wool New Zealand 04 474 0698

ENDS

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