Let's build economy to provide jobs

Dr Adele Whyte is the chief executive officer for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. Photo: Duncan Brown

I recently attended attended an "Inspire Event" in Auckland all about boosting the Maori economy. It was such a valuable experience to connect with our Maori business leaders looking to build their business capabilities.

One thing is clear to me, that economic development most certainly is the business of the iwi. The challenge, as always of course, Is ensuring that benefits reach our iwi, hapu and whanau members.

With our land claims due to be completed in the next couple of years by hapu members ("Large Natural Groups"), the iwi as a whole is moving into an exciting new era.

We must be ready to take advantage of these opportunities. We had a workshop exploring how we could make a difference to the Maori economy.

One thing is clear to me, that economic development most certainly is the business of the iwi.

Dr Adele Whyte

It was amazing how much was achieved within a few hours. It's these tools that have come home with me to share with our passionate team of people working on behalf of our whanau to bring about change.

As Maori will over the coming years dominate the workforce, we must ensure that we have highly paid, highly skilled jobs right here at home, action that will see our Maori economy boom.

- Dr Adele Whyte is the chief executive officer for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.