SUP200717NADRangimarie Price.JPG - SUPRangimarie (underscore) Price
WORLD'S AHEAD: Rangimarie Price will attend an international conference aimed at boosting women's leadership and developmental roles. (Photo/Supplied)
A Northland iwi leader who has been outspoken about the Maori economy's "arrested development" has been chosen to attend an exclusive international conference on the economic and social development of women.
Rangimarie Price is the chief executive for Te Tai Tokerau iwi leaders' group, Amokura Iwi Consortium and also Tai Tokerau Education Trust.
The two organisations aim to improve Maori access to education and developmental opportunities, and to tackle student under-achievement in low socio-economic communities.
Ms Price is the only New Zealand applicant to be selected to go to the Global Women in Management Programme in Washington DC later this month.
"I am humbled that I have been selected out of what I am sure is an outstanding group of women who are doing wonderful things to advance female leadership," she said.
"It's fantastic to have this opportunity to develop my leadership skills which I will be able to share across the collective iwi sphere in Northland."
The four-week event is designed to boost leadership, technical and professional skills for women who work in the not-for-profit and civil sector.
The goal is to help women fulfill economic potential and act as drivers for social change.
Ms Price was chosen by Mobil Oil New Zealand, this being only the second time the company has sent a New Zealand representative to the annual ExxonMobil-sponsored conference held since 2005.
Mobil Oil New Zealand manager Andrew McNaught said he was particularly impressed with Ms Price's application, which highlighted her dedication to advancing economic and leadership opportunities for Northland Maori women.
"We believe Rangimarie's participation will greatly benefit the iwi she serves, as well as the wider Northland community," Mr McNaught said.
Last year Ms Price told the audience at Te Tai Tokerau Regional Economic Development Hui in Kerikeri it was time to "change the story" about Maori wellbeing, future and opportunities.
"The new pathology will be it is normal to be Maori, healthy, prosperous, educated and connected."
That was not the story most often associated with Maori at the moment, she said.