Release Maori Economic Development Commission

Access to finance and management capability are two key issues which need to be addressed by Maori and the Crown if the new Government is to meet its goals for Maori economic development, Maori Economic Development Commission Chair June McCabe said today.

Ms McCabe was commenting on the contents of the Maori Economic Development Commission’s final report presented to the Ministers of Maori Affairs (see attached).

“The Commission’s work on access to finance has revealed that credit insurance may be one way of overcoming the reluctance of lenders to become involved in financing the development of multiply-owned Maori assets,” said Ms McCabe.

“Maori organisations also need to work hard on their management and governance capability if we are to make the most of our existing assets and the gains delivered by the Treaty settlement process,” she added.

Further progress on access to finance and management capability needs to be made in tandem as both are closely linked, said Ms McCabe. “Better management capability will give lenders a greater level of comfort that loan funds will be used productively and greater access to finance will allow Maori to fully explore the potential of existing assets.”

Ms McCabe said the two years in which the MEDC had been in existence had been stimulating and challenging. “On behalf of the other Commissioners I would like to thank the many Maori communities and individuals which have given us advice and encouragement. They have shown an intense and practical interest in development issues. It was our privilege to have met and worked with them.”

During the two years of its existence the Commission has provided reports and/or recommendations on

 A pre-commercial facilitation service (approved by Cabinet in May 1999) aimed at overcoming start-up barriers for Maori business

 Maori dependence on exporting and a strategy aimed at enhancing the returns from exports

 A number of industries which provide opportunities for regional initiatives including tourism, transport and organic farming

 As indicated above reports on access to finance and management capability.

The Commission also organised and ran three regional development conferences in Tai Tokerau, Tai Rawhiti and Taranaki.

“The Commission is proud of this record of achievement,” said Ms McCabe.

The Members of the Commission were June McCabe (Chair), Bill Osborne, Morris Selwyn, Ben Dalton, Malcolm Henare and Cathy Tait-Jamieson.

ENDS

Contact: Roger Mackey 04 4712125 or 025 408 768

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