Maori economy in spotlight (+video)

Rotorua-born Hollywood actor Cliff Curtis was one of a number of speakers at a regional development hui around powering up the Maori economy.

The He kai kei aku ringa regional development hui was held today at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua. The theme of the hui, hosted by Maori Development Minister and Associate Minister Economic Development Te Ururoa Flavell, was Powering up the Maori Economy.

The first two speakers at the event were Rotorua businessman Wetini Mitai Ngatai and actor and director Curtis.

Curtis, whose production company is Arama Productions, touched on the power of the creative sector, mentors and collaboration.

After his talk, Curtis told the Rotorua Daily Post he thought these hui were about finding agreements and opportunities to collaborate.

"We are all concerned with unemployment and helping our youth."

He said good progress had been made and there was a growing class of Maori who were succeeding at businesses and in their careers.

"We need to celebrate these successes and leverage these successes to impact other families."

Curtis said our nation as a culture had done well on the world stage and Kiwis could be from a small country but still fight above their weight.

In 2002 Mr Mitai Ngatai founded Mitai Maori Village, through which he wanted to provide employment for family and the wider community.

His talk included his background, and how he got into business and made it to where he is today.

He said Mitai now employed 104 people but it was not enough as there were still kids walking the streets.

Mr Mitai Ngatai said meetings such as this were important.

"It's important to help forward our people into positions of economic stability.

"The success of those who have made it should be extended to those who haven't got it yet, they need a helping hand, and a lot of our people still need that help."

He said "we see a lot of young people without jobs, without hope" and strategies and methods of employment were needed which came with creative thinking.

"We know those of our people who have successes must still have the old attitude within their mind, tatou. It means all for one, one for all. We are the same."

Other speakers included Tiaki Hunia from Ngati Awa Group Holdings Ltd, Tina Wilson from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Peter Gatley from Maui Milk and Mr Flavell.