Māori Creativity, Entrepreneurship on Show

MEDIA RELEASE 30 May 2007
Māori Creativity and Entrepreneurial Spirit on Show at Major New Event

An exciting new event showcasing Māori creative and entrepreneurial achievement is being held at the ASB Showgrounds in Epsom, Auckland, July 6-8.

ATAMIRA - Māori in the City includes a creative expo, an entrepreneurial forum and awards celebrations. The aim is to inspire Māori to maximise their entrepreneurial, economic and cultural potential.

Te Puni Kokiri Tamaki Makaurau regional director Pauline Kingi, says “ATAMIRA - Māori in the City will bring together leading Māori creative and business people in an environment designed to foster the creative entrepreneurs of the future.

“There will be exhibitions and displays of performing arts, visual arts, screen arts and fashion, hosted by Māori Television presenters.”
During the event, the Employers & Manufacturer’s Association’s Thrive Tangata Māori Business Hui will be held. Also, the Māori Women’s Development Incorporation Rangatahi Kaipakahi 2007 dinner will celebrate and encourage entrepreneurial Māori youth.

On Saturday night, ATAMIRA - Māori in the City will feature Mana Toi Māori Tohu, the Māori Creative Awards. It includes a fashion show featuring top Māori designers. This is a new event designed to recognise the enormous contribution of Māori to New Zealand’s creative arts sector.

There will also be live music with popular musicians playing throughout the event.

ATAMIRA - Māori in the City will be hosted by Ngati Whatua O Orakei Corporate Ltd and is funded by Te Puni Kokiri - the Ministry of Māori Development.

Ngati Whatua representative Chief Executive Tiwana Tibble says the introduction of ATAMIRA - Māori in the City as an Auckland-wide event is a milestone in the region’s development. “We look forward to this new event, which has potential to create returns in terms of positive economic development in creative businesses. It’s a positive step towards the future.”

Te Puni Kōkiri Chief Executive Leith Comer says his organisation is excited about the potential of ATAMIRA - Māori in the City. “This event will enable creative Māori businesses to network with and inspire newer ones which will lead to growth, expansion and more employment for Māori youth.

“We know that Māori actively participate in New Zealand’s economy and thriving Māori enterprises help us to achieve greater Māori economic development.
“Te Puni Kōkiri is proud of the achievements of creative Māori industries and we are keen to see ATAMIRA - Māori in the City showcase their successes.”

Te Puni Kōkiri is responsible for the Māori Potential Approach which aims to lift the quality of life for all Māori. Ultimately, the Approach is about Māori succeeding as Māori.

The Māori Potential Approach aims to better position Māori by leveraging off Māori collective resources, knowledge, skills and leadership capabilities. The Māori Potential Approach underpins the delivery and focus of ATAMIRA - Māori in the City The diverse and culturally distinct potential that can be sourced across the Indigenous Creative Arts of Tāmaki Makaurau will assist to affirm the identity, wellbeing and enrichment of the wider society.

ATAMIRA - MĀORI IN THE CITY

July 6-8, ASB Showgrounds, Epsom, Auckland.
Hours: 10 am – 4pm
Admission: FREE

official website: www.maoriinthecity.com

SPECIAL EVENTS:

EMA’s Thrive Tangata - Māori Business Hui held on Friday July 6th 9 am – 5. 30 pm Logan Campbell Centre, ASB Showgrounds, Epsom, Auckland.
Contact person for media inquiries: Marie Hasler 09 367 0900
Māori Womens Development Incorporation Rangatahi Kaipakahi 2007
Friday July 6 – 5pm-8pm Upstairs ASB Showgrounds, Epsom Auckland

Mana Toi Māori Tohu - Māori Creative Awards & Fashion Show
Saturday July 7 –7pm – 11.30pm Hall 2, ASB Showgrounds, Epsom Auckland

DATE / TIME / VENUE / EVENT
July 6-8 / 10am-4pm every day / ASB Showgrounds, Epsom, Auckland / ATAMIRA - Maori in the City

July 6 / 9am-5.30pm / Logan Campbell Centre, ASB Showgrounds / EMA Thrive Tangata Maori Business Hui

July 6 / 5pm-8pm / Upstairs, ASB Showgrounds / MWDI Rangatahi Kaipakahi 2007 Dinner

July 7 / 7pm-11.30pm / Hall 2, ASB Showgrounds / Mana Toi Maori Tohu - Maori Creative Awards & Fashion Show

Official website: www.maoriinthecity.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media