Wealth and wellbeing focus for Maori

A Maori economic strategy was launched in the Bay of Plenty today after two years of development and the input of more than 200 iwi and Maori business representatives.

Bay of Connections Maori advisory group co-chair Richard Jones said the focus of the strategy was to improve the wealth and wellbeing for Maori across the wider Bay of Plenty region in the key areas of income, employment, health and education.

"Maori economic development is central to our region's prosperity. The goal of the strategy is to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the many initiatives that are already underway at local, regional, iwi and trust levels, and provide the medium to develop new ones,'' Mr Jones said.

The development of the strategy started with an economic analysis of Maori in the wider Bay of Plenty region followed by five consultation hui across the area.

"We have had significant input and support from Maori business representatives who attended the consultation hui, their contribution is fundamental to the success of the strategy in the future.''