Unlocking Māori economy through science, innovati

Media release
For immediate release

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Unlocking Māori economic potential through science and innovation: bid to boost Bay of Plenty’s $7 billion Māori economy.

Linking businesses with science and innovation is one of many ways Te Puni Kōkiri is working to unlock the potential of the Bay of Plenty’s $7 billion Māori economy.

In Rotorua this Wednesday, Te Puni Kōkiri is supporting a free workshop for Māori businesses, individuals and other stakeholders. The workshop will give people the opportunity to network with experts from Crown Research Institutes, universities and government agencies such as the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Last year Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) estimated the Māori Asset Base in Waiariki – the wider Bay of Plenty region – to be worth around $7 billion, 18 per cent of the total Māori Asset base. This is made up of Māori land trusts, incorporations, Māori businesses, Crown Forest Lease settlements, Te Ohu Kaimoana (fisheries) and other entities.

The potential of New Zealand’s $37 billion Māori economy has been likened to a sleeping giant by economists.

“BERL has forecast the value of improved science and innovation within the Māori economy at an extra $12 billion per annum and 150,000 jobs by 2060,” said Te Puni Kōkiri regional manager, Rachel Jones.

“Connecting with the science and innovation sector is essential if we are going to help make that happen.”

The workshops will cover:
• An introduction to the science and innovation sector;
• Business planning and communications;
• Building partnerships; and
• Resources and support available from the science and innovation sector.
Date: Wednesday 21 March 2012
Venue: Scion Research, Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park, 49 Sala Street, Rotorua
Time: 10am – 4pm
Register: http://www.synexespaces.com/registration.html
Cost: FREE!
ENDS

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