Te Minita Whanaketanga Māori

Minister for Māori Development

22 June 2018 PĀNUI PĀPĀHO

MEDIA STATEMENT

Embargoed to 10.15 am

Māori Development Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta says free business workshops launched today are an exciting new tool to boost the Māori economy and accelerate whānau prosperity.

Pakihi, a programme that will deliver 200 free workshops across 25 locations was launched in the Waikato this morning.

“Pakihi is a new series of free workshops and mentoring designed to help Māori businesses move forward, flourish and succeed.

“No matter what stage of business growth people are at - Pakihi will provide the right support and direction. It will allow businesses to develop to their potential whether at pre start-up, start-up or growth stage,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

Minister Mahuta says the government is committed to supporting Māori economic development opportunities, especially in the regions.

“It is critical that we invest in building our communities and the futures of our people, especially our rangatahi. Māori business growth and success is an exciting way to do that.

“Each Māori business participating in Pakihi workshops will receive free one-on-one mentoring with a business coach. They will also get new skills, a growth plan and connections with other business support organisations and networking with other Māori businesses.”

The Pakihi programme will run from July 2018 to October 2019. It will be delivered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa together with Aotahi Limited and Crowe Horwath. Both companies have expertise in small business management, facilitation and mentoring.

Pakihi is supported by Te Pūnaha Hiringa: Māori Innovation Fund which is managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This Fund sits under He kai kei aku ringa –the Crown-Māori strategy for Māori Economic Development, which is co-led by Te Puni Kōkiri and MBIE.

“This is an exciting opportunity to step up the emphasis on whānau and Māori enterprise to support the local and regional economy. There are so many groups who are seeking a sustainable future by developing skill and expertise in business to support the livelihood of whānau ,“ says Nanaia Mahuta.

For more information visit www.pakihi.co.nz

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