Maori business initiatives

Press, 21 February 1987, Page 19

Maori business initiatives

In the wake of the $6OO million off-shore loan affair involving the Department of Maori Affairs, “Koha” looks at the question of Maori business initiatives tomorrow (Sunday) at 7.45 p.m. on Two.

The introduction of the Mana scheme to aid Maori people in business already had far reaching effects on the establishment of Maori business associations throughout the country, such as the Waikato Maori Businessman’s Association.

Emerging from the Hui Taumata, Mana is attempting to strengthen the Maori economic base and to create more em-

ployment opportunities for the young Maori. The director of the Waikato Research Centre, Bob Mahuta, says: “The Government and the community at large acknowledge that all past systems have failed, and Maori people are saying why should we have to contend with failures of your making.” “We (the Maori people) should be allowed the opportunity to succeed or fail on our own terms, not someone else’s,” he

says. . The programme also talks with Professor Bob Pricer, a visiting Fulbright Scholar from the University of Wisconsin, who has worked closely ' with similar programmes in the United States to aid the North American Indians. “Koha” also looks at. Maori people in business, who for the last eight years have been involved In helping other Maori businessmen in the Waikato region.