Leaders of future offered insight

INVESTING IN YOUTH: Participants of the Rangatahi Business Day, for young leaders to explore Te Arawa Group Holdings Ltd. PHOTO/TE ARAWA TANGATA

One thing I have noticed lately is that people are quick to mention the problems with our youth - yet slow to assist or provide opportunities for them.

So it was pleasing to hear about local organisations taking the lead and opening up their doors to young leaders.

Te Arawa Group Holdings Limited and Te Arawa Management Limited, with assistance from Te Arawa Fisheries Limited, recently held a Rangatahi Business Day for upcoming leaders to explore and experience the business of iwi-owned commercial companies.

The day was organised by Te Arawa Tangata and involved site visits and presentations. "This gave rangatahi a greater appreciation for the vast amount of land and assets owned by iwi, and the responsibilities that come with managing these legacies," said organiser Christina Diamond.

Ian Boyd, chief executive of Te Arawa Group Holdings said, "We initiated the day because our investments are creating a legacy for our young people and we felt it was important they were aware of these and the career opportunities which they can create."

I think it makes sense to invest not only in our assets but in our Maori youth, as they will make up a significant portion of our region's workforce and will be responsible for leading these companies in the future.

One of the youth joining the group was Wiremu Keepa, 19, previous head boy of Western Heights High School and now studying towards a Bachelor in Management Studies at the University of Waikato.

Wiremu admits that beforehand he wasn't sure what Te Arawa commercial entities were all about, saying: "I have been rather ignorant, and this day has given me a greater appreciation for what they do."

In his honesty he highlights what seems quite common - a lack of appreciation for the Maori economy that comes from being unaware of the importance it has.

Maori are major stakeholders and contributors to economic growth in the wider Bay of Plenty, with Rotorua contributing $387 million to the total Maori GDP in the region in 2010. Te Arawa commercial entities are just some of the many Maori organisations that help boost our economy.

Wiremu believes more organisations should provide these opportunities for youth.

"Although we need to acknowledge our past, we must move forward into the future with new thinking as we adapt to change," he said.

With this being the first of many opportunities to come from our Te Arawa entities, I encourage others to follow its lead and open their doors to our leaders of tomorrow.

As I always say - our people are our greatest asset.

Tania Tapsell (Te Arawa) is the youngest Rotorua District Councillor to be elected and a Maori touch team representative. She is the latest columnist for Te Maori.