New Maori rep on Bay of Connections

Doug Leeder

The Bay of Connections has appointed Riri Ellis as the new Maori representative on its Governance Group, who will join Anthony Olsen in representing Maori business interests. Dr Ellis is also the chairwoman of the Maori Advisory Group, established by the Bay of Connections to support the implementation of the Maori Economic Development Strategy, He Mauri Ohooho, launched in February.

The Bay of Connections is a regional growth strategy covering Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo, in partnership with the Bay of Plenty Council, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the region's economic development agencies.

"Dr Ellis has a background in management, marketing and Maori resource management," said Governance Group chairman Doug Leeder. "She brings with her a passion for contributing to hapu and iwi development in a range of different areas and we look forward to working with her on the strategic development of our region."

Dr Ellis was the Treaty settlement manager throughout the Ngai Te Rangi iwi treaty claim, resulting in a settlement package valued in the vicinity of $32 million. She is the longest-serving trustee of the Matapihi-based Ngai Tukairangi Trust, one of the most productive kiwifruit orchards in Maori ownership, and is the interim manager of the trust's investment arm, Tukairangi Investments.

Dr Ellis said she expected to see progress being made within the region as a result of the commitment to the focused Maori economic strategy.

"The calibre of the advisory team members is exceptional," she said. "Not only are they highly skilled, they are well connected to a raft of successful Maori entities and incorporations through the Bay and country."