Hon Te Ururoa Flavell
Minister for Māori Development
Minita Whanaketanga Māori
29 October 2015
Bay of Plenty Action Plan set to grow the Toi Moana Māori regional economy
Māori have stamped their mark on the newly launched Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Action Plan which aims to
lift employment, incomes and investments across the region.
Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell is welcoming the Action Plan saying it will help tāngata whenua realise
their aspiration of being self-sufficient.
“Tāngata whenua have added their voice to the Action Plan that aims to grow nine priority areas including Māori land
utilisation, agribusiness, aquaculture, education and skills, forestry, geothermal and horticulture”, he says.
Iwi, businesses, local and central government have worked together to develop the plan.
Mr Flavell says the Action Plan clearly identifies the important contribution iwi and hapū make to the region already
and the priority they place on better utilising Māori land.
“Māori in the region own more than 400,000 hectares of land. The Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Action Plan will provide them
with support to develop their whenua through numerous mechanisms such as partnerships, joint ventures and knowledge
sharing. The Action Plan will complement the reform of the Ture Whenua Act which will make it easier for Māori land
owners to use their land”, he says.
The Action Plan also highlights economic development opportunities for Māori in geothermal energy, horticulture and
aquaculture.
ends