21 October 1999

For Immediate Release

MAORI AFFAIRS MINISTER WELCOMES HUI OHANGA RECOMMENDATIONS

Maori Affairs Minister, Hon Tau Henare, agreed with recommendations from the Hui Ohanga in Auckland today, that the country’s economy would not reach its potential as long as the Maori economy was under-utilised.

He said the key to New Zealand?s economic expansion was building the Maori economy, which was resource rich, but was deficient of capital.

“There is a wasteland called Maori land holdings and landlocked Maori land, and it is a goldmine just waiting to be uncovered.

“I congratulate participants at the Hui Ohanga for having the courage to share their visions of Maori economic success, and the fruits our people and others will bear from it. It is now up to future governments to ensure that these recommendations are enacted and not just sidelined.

“Government has asked Maori for the answer and they've provided it. I think it is incumbent on this Government and the next to pick up the recommendations from this hui to work into its programme for the good of Maori and that of the country," said Mr Henare.

ENDS

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