Hui Taumata Sets Roadmap - Te Atiawa Iwi Investment Conference Provides Tool-kit
Date Thursday September 4, 2014. For immediate release
Commercial leaders from throughout the region and country are set to descend on Taranaki next week for the inaugural Te
Atiawa Iwi Investment Conference.
Te Atiawa Holdings (Taranaki) Ltd chairman Kura Denness said it was timely to bring together some of the country’s top
financial minds, across a range of sectors.
Ms Denness said the investment conference which follows on from this week’s 30 year anniversary of Hui Taumata held in
Auckland this week focused on investment and growing capabilities.
“Hui Taumata has set the roadmap for iwi and Maori economic development, Te Atiawa Holdings are proud to be able to
provide Maori commercial decision makers with the tool-kit to ensure best practise and quality decision making guide all
aspects of commercial development.
“We have hand-picked a range of experts in their respective fields to inspire, inform and enhance the capabilities of
leaders across Maoridom who are entrusted with making crucial business and investment decisions for their stakeholders
and members,” Ms Denness said.
The guest speakers for the two-day conference include former Labour Party leadership hopeful and Cabinet Minister and
current Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, Shane Jones, economist Tony Alexander, Maori Trustee Jamie Tuuta
and Carmel Fisher of Fisher Funds.
Ms Denness said the conference was geared to capture the momentum that Maori and Iwi commercial and economic fortunes
have experienced in recent years, to provide inspiration and guidance to iwi leaders, especially those entering the
post-settlement development phase.
“There have been a number of major settlements and progress through the settlement process in recent years, including
for Te Atiawa and Nga Ruahine in Taranaki,” she said. “This conference provides the opportunity to learn from the strong
leadership and hard work that has gone on to improve the productivity of Maori and iwi-owned land, resources and
businesses coupled with Treaty of Waitangi settlements.”
The Maori commercial asset base has been estimated at $37 billion. Farming, fishing and forestry are traditional areas
of Maori enterprise and increasing returns from these assets will occur with continued research and development. It has
been reported that the Maori economy could add $12 billion a year to GDP and thousands of jobs, with the correct
strategic partnerships and leadership.
Ms Denness said the boutique investment conference is designed to appeal to the diverse range of Iwi and Maori
enterprises, to assist in increasing knowledge and networks to ensure Maori are utilising their shared expertise and
financial muscle to extract the best results for our respective shareholders.
“I am also proud to bring together leaders and stellar examples of Maori best practice and performance across
agribusiness, health, property investment, and tourism to provide inspiration to a conference that includes a range of
entities at the various stages of the economic development cycle.
“I look forward to welcoming them personally to the hospitality and warmth of Taranaki and I hope that they will be
informed, inspired and united with those who share your passion for Maori economic prosperity and success.”
The two-day conference is being held at the Quality Hotel, Plymouth International, New Plymouth and begins 8.30am on
Tuesday September 9. There remain a limited number of places available for those with a passion to grow their
capabilities to support Maori economic development.
ends