Minister appoints Taskforce on Maori economy

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples, has asked seven iwi and business leaders to head a Taskforce on how Maori can avoid the worst impacts of the recession, and strengthen the Maori economy in the longer term.

 

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Solomon, Ngahiwi Tomoana, Bentham Ohia, Daphne Luke, John Tamihere, June McCabe and Rob McLeod to lead this work for two years,” said Dr Sharples.

 

“These seven movers and shakers in Maoridom have particular expertise in tribal asset development, the primary sector, education and training, small to medium enterprises, social and community development, investment and enterprise, and economic growth and infrastructure,” he said.

 

“Together they make up a balanced team with wide networks and diverse interests, and they have the knowledge and experience to deliver results in the face of the huge economic challenges facing our nation. The key to our success is co-operation, and this team can achieve that for sure.

 

“The Taskforce will follow through on the ideas that emerged at the Maori economic workshop I called in January. I have set aside $4.5 million per annum for the Taskforce to work with. At the same time the Taskforce will lead rapid responses to the outcomes of Prime Minister’s jobs summit.

 

“The PM’s Jobs Summit emphasised interdepartmental co-operation, and this task force is expecting to follow that approach as well. Some projects may be taken up by other agencies with Maori clients,” said Dr Sharples.

 

“The task force will be backed by a small secretariat in Te Puni Kokiri, with a private secretary right in my office. Members will be expected to maintain their own networks to gather information and co-ordinate responses from flax roots and iwi organisations around the country,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Task force members: brief biographies

 

 

Mark Solomon (Ngai Tahu).

 

Kaiwhakahaere of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu for the past 11 years.

 

Director, Te Papa Tongarewa

 

Chair or trustee of various community, education and sporting bodies.

 

 

 

Ngahiwi Tomoana (Ngati Kahungunu)

 

Chair of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, based in Hastings

 

Led major iwi initiatives in housing, land development and aquaculture

 

 

 

Bentham Ohia (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Ranginui, Te Ati Awa, Ngati Rarua)

 

Pouhere (CEO), Te Wananga o Aotearoa, for past five years.

 

Chair, Te Tauihu o nga Wananga (national body of wananga)

 

Trained teacher, senior manager at TWoA for 14 years.

 

Chair, President or Board member of various international indigenous education projects.

 

 

 

Daphne Luke (Ngati Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) 

 

Tumuaki, Te Arahanga o Nga Iwi Maori Economic Development Agency, Otaki

 

Self-employed business coach and consultant

 

Post-graduate lecturer in Maori entrepreneurship, Te Wananga o Raukawa

 

 

 

John Tamihere (Ngati Porou ki Harataunga)

 

Consultant and broadcaster, CEO of Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust

 

Former Minister of Statistics and Associate Minister of Maori Affairs (Economic Development)

 

 

 

June McCabe (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa and Te Aupouri)

 

Chair of Exelerator, New Zealand Leadership Institute, Auckland University.

 

Board member of Television New Zealand Limited (TVNZ) and a former director of ACC and the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund Limited.

 

Former Director of Corporate Affairs, Westpac Bank,

 

 

 

Rob McLeod (Ngati Porou)

 

Managing Partner, Ernst and Young New Zealand

 

Chair of the NZ Business Roundtable,

 

Member of Capital Markets Task Force

 

Lead negotiator, Nga Haeata (Ngati Porou hapu Treaty settlement committee)

 

Chair of Government Tax Review in 2001

 

Former Chair and director of major New Zealand and Maori enterprises.