25 year milestone for Maori Economic Development to be celebrated in Taupō

Business and community leaders from throughout Maoridom and the country will converge on Taupō today to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Federation of Maori Authorities.

Federation of Maori Authorities (the Federation) Chair Traci Houpapa said it was significant to hold the Federation’s 25th conference and annual meeting in the heart of Tuwharetoa.

“In 1987 Tuwharetoa Paramount Chief Sir Hepi Te Heuheu and others confirmed a strategy which called together Maori and Iwi authorities from throughout the country to form a national entity representing the collective assets and interests of what would become a burgeoning Maori economic development sector.”

Ms Houpapa said the then rallying cry "Me Uru Kahikatea" has continued to be the driver for Maori economic development.

“The Federation’s key priority has been to continue to promote the strategic imperatives of cooperation and collaboration to achieve economies of scale, and voice and influence, for Maori and for this country.”

She said that the continued gains and growth of the Federation collective was replicated across Maoridom with the size and scale of the Maori economy finally starting to get recognition nationally and internationally.

“This weekend will be a chance for us all to come together to acknowledge the momentous progress we have all made, to acknowledge those champions and those who have since passed that helped bring us to this point, and to unveil the blueprint for the next 25 years,” Ms Houpapa said.

Federation Chief Executive Te Horipo Karaitiana said it was clear that the establishment of the Federation had been and must continue to be an important element in the nation's economic development and forerunner for the Maori economic sector.

It is wonderful to have Federation members, our strategic partners and invited guests from across the globe come together in Taupō for this significant event.

“It is entirely appropriate that our 2012 conference is hosted by Sir Tumu Te Heuheu and convened in Taupō.

“Together we will showcase the very best of Tūwharetoa’s enterprise, acknowledge our economic leaders and applaud Māori economic success.”

Conference information: http://www.foma.maori.nz/

Programme: http://www.foma.maori.nz/content/programme

FoMA 25th annual conference: He Kapua Whakapipi – Uniting the People
Taupō-nui-a-Tia, Friday November 2 to November 5.

Background

The Federation of Māori Authorities represents over 150 Māori authorities with an estimated natural resource asset value of approximately $8 billion dollars.

The federation is the peak industry body of the Māori economic sector and our members have enterprises in seafood, forestry, dairy, horticulture, property, agriculture, energy and investments in New Zealand and abroad.

A Business Economic Research Ltd (Berl) 2010 Report estimated the Maori economy had assets estimated at $37 billion and the potential growth of those assets was valued at as much as $12 million.

The federation’s vision is simple: Sustainable economic prosperity, for our members, our communities and our country.

Federation Chair Traci Houpapa

Traci is the Federation of Māori Authorities Chair and the Tainui representative. She is a partner at THS & Associates Ltd, a consultancy specialising in Māori economic development.

Traci has a MBA (Massey University) and holds a number of directorships and Ministerial Appointments including Te Uranga B2 Incorporation, LandCorp Farming Limited, and the National Advisory Council for the Employment of Women.

Federation Chief Executive Te Horipo Karaitiana

Te Horipo brings over 24 years’ commercial experience to the role of Chief Executive from a wide range of senior management and governance roles for Māori, community, private and government sectors.

He has many years of experience as a professional director and is currently a board member of Kahungunu Asset Holding Company Ltd and Wairarapa Moana Inc.

He has a strong commercial background and holds a MBA degree, is a member of the Institute of Directors.
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