Te Ururoa Flavell

28 FEBRUARY, 2017

New Economic Development action plans for Tairāwhiti

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says the launch of Te Huarahi He Wahi Oranga Action Plan and the Tairāwhiti Māori Economic Development Report, will help increase job opportunities in the region.

The two plans aim to also increase incomes and investment across the East Coast region, were launched today in Gisborne, Mr Flavell says.

“With a high proportion of Māori – including rangatahi – on the Coast, the action plans recognise the importance of including Māori in regional leadership, and the fundamental need to build capability amongst rangatahi.”

Mr Flavell says he is pleased to see the collaborative efforts between iwi, Māori trusts and collective land owners, businesses and local and central government in finalising the plans.

“Together, these plans will help tāngata whenua realise their economic aspirations, plan for future leaders from amongst today’s rangatahi, and enable better utilisation of the Māori asset base along the coast,” Mr Flavell says.

“Māori were heavily involved in the development of both plans, are on the Governance Group and are well-represented in areas such as tourism, forestry, farming, and mānuka honey. I look forward to seeing this collaboration increase as we move into implementation of the plans.”

The opportunity and challenge is to support Māori on the coast to build their enterprise capacity and to move into high-tech areas, to tap into the resilience and the independent spirit of the coast.

As part of the plans, Mr Flavell is specifically announcing support through Te Puni Kōkiri for significant projects designed to support development along the coast.

These include more than $170,000 to support apiculture, up to $50,000 to lift whānau enterprise capacity, $100,000 to support rural whānau to gain drivers licences, and $100,000 to enhance Māori tourism.

Te Huarahi He Wahi Oranga and the Tairāwhiti Māori Economic Development Report form part of the Government’s Regional Growth Programme. More information is available here.

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