I was so pleased to present Miraka with the inaugural Maori Excellence in Export award He kai kei aku ringa recently at the 2015 New Zealand International Business Awards in Auckland.
Giants of the Maori economy like Miraka, Sealord and Kono make a significant contribution to the Maori and national economy, in fact the Maori economy is now valued at over $42 billion and it's growing fast so it's great to see them up there and receiving recognition they deserve - and what's even better for me is that Miraka are from right here in my electorate!
Some might wonder who on earth Miraka are - and what do they do?
They produce UHT milk products and milk powder to 23 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America - and they are the first company in the world to use renewable electricity and steam to run milk powder processing operations, which is a true example of innovation.
Other finalists in this category included Kono - who produce high-quality wine, fruit and seafood and export to more than 25 countries.
They are based in Marlborough and represent owners from local iwi Ngati Koata, Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama and Te Atiawa and also Sealord, who most of us have heard of, and are one of New Zealand's largest seafood companies with a global network that spans seven continents. They export about $500 million worth of seafood annually and employ around 1100 people.
Congratulations to all of you.
Recently the Government announced further expansion of the Maori and Pasifika Trades Training initiative.
Three new consortia join 12 providers who were previously chosen to assist young Maori and Pasifika people to gain qualifications, New Zealand apprenticeships and employment in trades that are in demand across the country.
This initiative was developed to ensure training is aligned to the needs of both employers and learners and it really is a welcome development that will help create sustainable opportunities for not only individuals, but also their whanau and wider communities.
The three new groups who will co-ordinate and deliver trades training to Taranaki and the Bay of Plenty were selected through a two-stage tender process are Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Nga Potiki a Tamapahore Trust in the Western Bay of Plenty, Taranaki Futures Trust in Taranaki and Te Pu Wananga o Anamata in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
For more information on this initiative, visit www.mbie.govt.nz/what-we-do/business-growth-agenda/skilled-safe-workplaces/maori-pasifika-trades-training-initiative.
Finally today, I want to remind you that the closing date for submissions on the Te Arawa Partnership proposal is this Friday at 4pm, so it's important to ensure your voice is heard on this debate.
If you haven't yet made a submission, there is an easy online template available to complete, which would take all of about two minutes!
Go to https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/50750510068953
- I welcome your feedback. Email mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz or phone (07) 350 3261.
Te Ururoa Flavell is the Waiariki MP and the co-leader of the Maori Party.
