Māori Economy

There are approximately 1800 land trusts, which hold more than $6.6b in assets, while recent Treaty settlements delivered $433 million of investment funding into the rohe. This will only increase with future settlements, reinforcing the fact that the Māori economy is an increasingly critical economic driver in the wider Toi Moana and Waiariki regions.

Bay of Connections has actively sought to support Māori economic development over the past decade, starting with the development of He Mauri Ohooho, New Zealand’s first regionally co-ordinated Māori Economic Development Strategy in partnership with Te Puni Kokiri.

Ten years on, this strategy and supporting action plan have evolved into the establishment of a regional Māori Economic Development Agency, Toi Kai Rawa.

Toi Kai Rawa focuses on advancing the prosperity of Māori across the wider Bay of Plenty rohe, with the goal that Māori meet or exceed national averages in income, employment, health and education by 2030.

Its high-level focus areas are:

• Whenua Ora – unlocking the potential of Māori land and water ecosystems
• Rangatahi Ora – mobilising the future Māori workforce by connecting young people to high-value opportunities
• Pakihi Ora – energising and mobilising the Māori business networks
• Tangata/ Hāpori Ora – unlocking the potential of Māori communities.

Current kaupapa include the Māori land utilisation action plan, which focuses on the participation of Māori in key land-based industries such as renewable energy, forestry, dairy, sheep and cattle farming, horticulture and aquaculture, and the Hihiko Te Rawa Auaha (Innovation Hubs) Programme, to help accelerate digital proficiency in Māori communities.

For further information about opportunities in the Bay of Plenty Māori economy contact Toi Kai Rawa.

Key contacts:

Awhina Ngātuere 
Chief Executive/Kaihautū Ōhanga Māori
awhina@toikairawa.co.nz

General Enquiries
info@toikairawa.co.nz