Summit to refocus energy of Maori revival

By JON STOKES

It's been two decades since the last, and is still six months until the next one starts, but a who's who of Maoridom turned out yesterday for the launch of an initiative to lift the economic lot of Maori.

Prime Minister Helen Clark launched preparations for Hui Taumata 2005, a three-day hui to focus the energies of commercial and social leaders on improving the economic pathways for all Maori.

The national hui, at Te Papa in Wellington in March, is geared to enhance the momentum started by the first economic summit held in October 1984.

Around 200 Maori leaders turned out for that event, called by then Maori Affairs Minister Koro Wetere, which has been credited with spawning a social and economic renaissance in Maori development.

This included stopping te reo Maori's decline with Maori language preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, and economic development that has seen Maori assets increase to $9 billion in value.

Former Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves convenes the steering group organising the 2005 hui, which includes Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Professor Ngatata Love, Dr Wetere, Professor Linda Smith, Alison Thom, economist Rob McLeod, Tumu te Heuheu, Shane Jones, Rawiri Te Whare, Mark Solomon, Katerina Bennett and Taria Tahana.

A secretariat funded by Te Puni Kokiri and Victoria University will provide administrative support.

The steering group will release research papers to stimulate discussion around the key themes of developing people, assets and enterprise, before the hui's launch on March 1.

The Government has approved $1 million over two years for the hui.

Sir Paul said the hui's main focus would be on lowering Maori unemployment and increasing income.

"We have made huge progress as a people and looking ahead our vision is to expand Maori economic pathways even further."

Helen Clark echoed his words: "The [hui] will look ahead to where Maori want to be in another 20 years and beyond, how they will enhance New Zealand's overall development, and how to channel resources and energy to best effect."

Hui Taumata



Cultural Renaissance over a generation


MAORI GAINS SINCE 1984 HUI TAUMATA

* Beginnings and rapid growth of kohanga reo, kura kaupapa and Maori tertiary institutes.

* 34,000 enrolled in early childhood education and 62,574 in tertiary education in 2003.

* Maori comprise 17 per cent of industry trainees.

* 23 Maori radio stations, and launch of Maori Television.

* 240 Maori health providers contracted to 21 district health boards.

* $680 million in treaty claims since 1992.

* Maori commercial asset base estimated to be around $9 billion in 2003.

* 17,000 Maori self-employed or employers in 2001 (latest figure available).

* Maori generate 2.3 per cent of country's exports.

MAORI IN THE FUTURE

2021-

* Maori expected to number 749,000 (17 per cent of the population)

* Average age will be 27, compared to non-Maori average of 43.

* Maori will comprise 28 per cent of under-14s.

* 468,000 Maori in the main working age (15-64).