Maori Economy Expected To Surprise Conference

For Immediate Release November 3 2010

Size Of Maori Economy Expected To Surprise FoMA Conference

Surprise at the sheer size of the Maori economy is predicted to be the reaction of the 350 delegates attending the Federation of Maori Authorities 2010 Conference at Waitangi this coming weekend (November 6 – 7)

Working collectively and collaboratively to build the Maori commercial asset base, already estimated at more than $16 Billion, is the theme of the two day conference.

Prime Minister John Key heads a list of distinguished business leaders, specialist speakers and workshop (rohe) leaders who include Kiwibank CEO Paul Brock, BERL chief economist Dr Ganesh Nana, prominent corporate director, Pat Snedden, Whale Watch founder Wally Stone, and former All Black captain Taine Randall, now an expert advisor on carbon trading markets.

With new Chair Traci Houpapa, new CE Rongowhitiao Maaka (Ron Mark) and a new board now leading FoMA, the 2010 Conference is just part of a programme to more effectively harness largely land-based resources to further advance the economic interests of both Maori and New Zealand generally.

A Tainui delegate and specialist in strategic and business planning, Chair Traci Houpapa, has extensive experience in instigating sustainable social and economic initiatives and is involved with a number of trusts and incorporations. Previously a long serving Member of Parliament, CEO Ron Mark is now also Mayor of Carterton and Deputy Chair of Wairarapa Moana Inc.

Preceded by the Annual General Meeting on Friday, the FoMA 2010 conference begins with an Opening Dinner on Friday at which new Kiwibank CEO Paul Brock will be the Guest Speaker. Prime Minister John Key will address “Session Four – Showcasing Maori Making It Happen” on Saturday afternoon.

Between 2001 and 2006 it is estimated Maori owned and managed assets increased by 83 percent from $8.9 Billion to $16.6 Billion. But as many Maori-owned commercial assets are controlled by private trusts and incorporations the full range and value of their activities has been difficult to measure.

FoMA believes the extent of commercial activity identified by Te Puni Kokiri is just the tip of a much larger mass of Maori enterprises. The BERL consultancy was commissioned to undertake a thorough assessment of the size of entire Maori economy, the findings of which will be presented by Dr Ganesh Nana during “Session Two – The Big Picture”.

“We know that Maori are contributing more and more to the New Zealand economy actively and passively,” says Chair Traci Houpapa. “The key is for us to unlock the potential value of the Maori assets, not only by ourselves but with the assistance of other partners and stakeholders.”

“This is a time when Iwi and Maori authorities are being recognised as the economic powerhouses they are, or soon will be. Where Maori are being courted and invited by industry leaders and government to join discussions which will change the future and face of this nation, and probably the world. This is a good time to be Maori.”

Dr Ganesh Nana will be preceded by Emeritus Professor David Hughes of the University of Kent, a global expert on food industry development who will provide an international perspective on vertical integration.

Along with presentations by members of the FoMA executive Paul White (Chair Te Waka Pupuri Putea Ltd.), Ingrid Collins (Chair of Whangara B5 Incorporation), Stephen Harteveld (Chair Rakiura Maori Land Trust), and Malcolm Short (Chair Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust) other prominent members of the Maori business community Teresa Tepania-Ashton (CE Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi), Leon Penney (Oromahoe Ahuwhenua Trust) and Dr Manuka Henare (Associate Dean Maori- AU School of Business) are included on the programme Now a director of Tipu Green, advisors on making the most of carbon markets, Taine Randell is one of three speakers who will address the challenges and opportunities created by the Emission Trading Scheme. Established in 1987 under first chairman Sir Hepi Te Heuheu the Federation of Maori Authorities is New Zealand’s largest Maori business network representing more than 150 trusts, incorporations, boards, Runanga and Maori owned businesses, collectively administering around 800,000 hectares of land with asset bases of conservatively $6 Billion dollars Apart from the AGM on Friday media representatives are most welcome to attend all sessions of the 2010 FoMA Conference.

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