Let advantages flow to all, says Ngapuhi head

The head of the country's largest iwi has applauded the gains Maori have made in the past 20 years but emphasised the need to ensure the benefits flowed to all.

Ngapuhi chairman Sonny Tau said many in his iwi battled daily to put food on the table and he urged Maori leaders to take the message back to their people.

"Grass-roots Maori at home are busy worrying about feeding their families. We are all here learning about economic development, and of the gains of the last 20 years. Wealth needs to trickle down. My fear is people come here and get all these warm fuzzies and desire to move things forward, then go back home and nest-sit and nothing happens."

Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon said there was a growing confidence among Maori that would be enhanced by the hui.

He said entering the global economy was an important move for Maori. He favoured greater emphasis on education.

"The Hui Taumata is a great opportunity to concentrate on the positives in Maoridom.

"The reality is there is a hell of a lot more positivity than we give credit for."

Ngati Porou chairman Api Mahuika said he wanted to see the summit focus on iwi development and not just on the individual.

"In 1984 Ngati Porou did not have a board, and had no money. Now we have an economic base of many millions of dollars."