‘Create Your Own Future – If We Can, So Can You
PANUI PAPAHO / PRESS RELEASE
14
HUI-TANGURU / FEBRUARY 2013
‘Create Your Own Future – If We
Can, So Can You!’
Inspirational role models share their motivational success stories in online video interviews aimed at encouraging Maori to pursue higher levels of education, training, employment, enterprise and innovation.
An interactive website – www.MaoriFutureMakers.com – was launched by the Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita R Sharples, at Te Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae in Mangere, Auckland, today (11.00 am, Thursday 14 February 2013).
A total of 30 high-achievers studying, employed or self-employed in primary, knowledge intensive and growth industries are captured on film for the new resource. From entrepreneurs and engineers to neurobiologists and nanoscientists, the Maori Future Makers talk candidly to the camera about their study pathways, educational achievements, skills, work experiences and professional opportunities. They include:
• Mechatronics engineering
student, young dad Anaru O’Connor (Ngati Porou), from
Papakura, who is also pursuing a conjoint degree in Chinese
and Maori.
• Computer games and applications
developer Maru Nihoniho (Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati Porou,
Ngai Tahu), owner of Metia Interactive.
•
Award-winning technology entrepreneur Rod Drury (Ngai Tahu),
chief executive of Xero which now has nearly 100,000
customers in 100 different countries.
•
Environmental planner Lisa Kanawa (Ngapuhi, Ngati Raukawa)
who is in training for an all-female South Pole expedition
in November.
• Design professional and artist
David Hakaraia (Ngapuhi, Ngati Paoa) whose Maori-inspired
work will be exhibited at a furniture fair in New York in
May.
• Successful social entrepreneur and
mentor Travis O’Keefe (Ngati Porou) who utilises his
business skills to help solve problems in society.
Says O’Keefe: “If I was a young person, my advice would be to say yes to everything! “Go out and try everything – learn the lesson. If you enjoy it, repeat it and keep doing it. Find your passion and don’t believe people when they say you can’t do it.”
Supported by Te Puni Kokiri, the Maori Future Makers website is a practical, simple and engaging tool to support students and whanau to make more informed decisions about education, training and careers. The personal experiences of each role model is linked to study options and survival tips, course information, scholarship and iwi funding opportunities, and helpful links such as on-campus whanau groups that can support students.
Maori Future Makers with specialist skills and capabilities in different industries and occupations are also showcased to Maori and mainstream employers and businesses as well as a worldwide global audience. The shoot took the production team from Auckland to Christchurch including Turangi, Taupo, Hastings, Tauranga, Wairoa, Gisborne, Ruatoria and Wellington.
Project leader Moana Maniapoto from Muriwai-based Black Pearl Limited says the Maori students and whanau who informed the initial research project highlighted the difficulties in having to search the internet to source information from multiple websites. Moana says the new website pools all the “good” information into one space created specifically for Maori while social media such as Facebook and Twitter complement the online content.
“These Maori Future Makers are a clever bunch of people. They come from all walks of life – small towns, big whanau, city schools and families that have very little money. Some were not outstanding students at school, others were unsure if they could cope with the pressures of study or living away from home.
“Yet all of them are passionate about what they do and they've learnt a few things along the way too. Like what subjects you should take at school, what type of study programme works for them, how to survive years of study and how to stay motivated, where to apply for scholarships and grants, what fun you can have in your spare time – and how you are never too old to learn.
“Best of all, they know what opportunities exist for Maori who arm themselves with certain qualifications or skills. This resource is about realising Maori potential by growing Maori assets – and our biggest asset is our people.”
To view the videos, connect and converse with the Maori Future Makers or for more information:
• visit the website, www.MaoriFutureMakers.com
DR ADELE WHYTE (Ngati Kahungunu, Whakatohea) –
Hastings
Adele Whyte – with the support of
her whanau – was awarded the first of two prestigious
scholarships to complete her Masters and then her PhD
research in 2000. Her Master’s research investigated the
origins of Maori and Pacific peoples using DNA while her PhD
research investigated the use of mussels as indicators of
marine pollution. After graduating in 2006, Adele was
employed by Victoria University as a lecturer and researcher
teaching biochemistry, biotechnology and marine
conservation. During this time, she was also acting as a
technical advisor to Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai
steering group. Now working for her iwi in the Hawke’s
Bay, Adele is also a mentor for Te Ropu Awhina – whanau
for Maori and Pacific students studying science at Victoria.
AMANDA TAYLOR (Ngati Porou, Tainui, Ngai
Tahu) – Papakura, Auckland
“I just have a
couple of papers to do this year and then I will have a
Diploma in Civil Engineering and the Applied Diploma of
Civil Engineering. I'm proud of the InfraTrain Civil
Engineering Scholarship for Maori that I was awarded in
2010. The most nerve-racking thing I've ever done was a
presentation at the Downer Cadet Graduate Conference. I also
managed a roading project in the Pacific Islands which was
awesome. And I'm a mother with a young daughter who attends
Te Timatatanga Kohanga Reo in Manurewa. I'm currently
employed by Downer as a Contract Engineer/QMR Operations –
I am more focussed on the quality of our work and making
sure that our company processes are being followed.”
ANARU O’CONNOR (Ngati Porou) – Papakura,
Auckland
“I'm a student in mechatronic
engineering at Auckland University. I'm also enrolled in a
conjoint degree in Chinese and Maori. I am currently in my
fourth year with two years to go before I graduate. Awards
and achievements? While I was at Rotorua Boy’s High
School, I got the Ngati Whakaue Top Maori Scholar and a
Diploma of Dairy Technology with Distinction from Massey
University. Also, whilst working a 12-hour shift, I have
never failed a paper. Balancing double degrees with two
young children while also having a social and sporting life
– that's a pretty big achievement too. When I finish
university, I'd like to gain more skills and experience in
Fonterra … then I want to work towards owning my own
business.”
ANI KAINAMU (Ngapuhi) –
Nelson
“I'm currently working at the Ministry
for Primary Industries in Aquaculture Strategy in Nelson.
MPI is the merging of the Ministry of Fisheries, MAF and the
New Zealand Food and Safety Authority. I'm pretty excited
– this opportunity has been a long time coming! In 2011, I
had some fisheries experience with Aotearoa Fisheries
Limited in Manukau, at an oyster factory, Sydney (Sealords,
fish market), and then an internship with Nga Pae o te
Maramatanga looking at Okahu Bay … The thing I love most
about studying marine science is meeting others that are
passionate about looking after our marine environment, and
talking with locals, surfers, divers about our sea. I'd like
to get experience in the local fisheries sector and use this
to better manage local resources.”
BEVAN HUNTER (Ngati Porou ki
Hauraki)
“My advice to those wanting to study
applied science would be to take biology, chemistry and
calculus at high school. I only took biology at school and
so I had to do remedial studies in order to obtain my
scholarship. The great thing about studying is having access
to the best aquamarine library in the Southern Hemisphere.
That kind of academic literature and those journals cost a
fortune when you are finally in the field … My degree
helped my family to set up our own paua and crayfish farm
… which was a great learning experience for us all. At the
moment, I'm an Executive working for Te Runanga o Ngati
Porou ki Hauraki where my work involves being a part of the
research, mapping, executive and treaty settlement
negotiations team.”
BRENT
GEAR (Ngati Ngararanui, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Rangiwewehi,
Ngati Tapu) – Tauranga
“I was an apprentice,
and started off by sweeping the floors. After that, I earned
a welders and basic engineering ticket. I was mentored all
the way through until the day I took over the company …
Now I’m the managing director of my own engineering
business, Gear Welding Services. We specialise in stainless,
aluminium, mild and high tensile steels. I was recently
awarded a contract to supply Gear Steel buildings to Papua
New Guinea – this is a large contract which means I've
been able to offer nine cadetships to rangatahi who want to
work in my field. I love my work, I really do – from the
drawing board to the completed product. The award I’m most
proud of receiving is the contract as the main engineer in
the construction of the Tauranga Harbour Bridge.”
DAVID HAKARAIA (Ngapuhi, Ngati Paoa) –
Wellington
David Hakaraia explores his
interpretations of Maori narratives and motif using
traditional methods of woodwork and metalwork in conjunction
with the latest technologies such as CnC technology, laser
cutters and 3D printers. David’s aim is to develop new
ways to express history by marrying contemporary design
technologies with traditional Maori storytelling. He will
exhibit his work at a New York furniture fair in May while a
grant from Te Waka Toi at Creative New Zealand will allow
him to create a body of work for exhibition at the end of
this year. David is a member of Te Ropu Awhina whose kaupapa
is to produce Maori and Pacific science, engineering,
architecture and design professionals.
DAVID HERMAN (Ngati Ruanui) –
Wellington
“I’m studying a degree in
chemistry, majoring in nanotechnology … The implications
for my research in this area in nanotechnology for Maori?
I’m specifically focusing on ways to clean up our awa
(rivers), break down pollution in waterways. We’re going
to have to look at ways of renewing our waste water and
cleaning up rivers that are contaminated with this heavy
metal or pollution … I think being a well-rounded
scientist will get you places. So studying a PhD will open
up the opportunity of working in the university as a
lecturer, or a teacher and also for research jobs. I’m
young, I’m Maori and I’m still contributing to this
booming world of nanotechnology – science that’s tiny,
tiny as but it’s such a big field so it’s cool, it’s
just amazing.”
DEREK KAWITI (Ngapuhi,
Ngati Hine, Tuhoe, Ngati Porou) – Auckland
A
graduate of the Auckland School of Architecture, Derek
Kawiti has a Master of Architecture from the Architectural
Association in London. Derek has more than 12 years of
experience working in the field of architecture and has
practiced in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the
Caribbean. He has been involved in a range of projects from
mixed-use housing schemes to large-scale commercial and
civic projects. Derek is currently a lecturer at the
University of Auckland’s School of Architecture with a
focus in teaching design technology. He is also an academic
advisor in the Technology Unit and Media Centre which
specialises in computational design processes and machine
fabrication.
GERARD TE HEUHEU (Ngati
Tuwharetoa) – Turangi
“I’m a commercial
pilot and we have an aviation company called Tongariro
Aviation. Primarily, we’re a hunting business – we’ve
got a block of land in the Kaimanawa Ranges, 45,000
hectares. The blocks are split up into 22 separate blocks
and in each of the 22 blocks we’ve got accommodation and
an airstrip. We fly hunters into those strips so a lot of
our flying is remote flying into the hills – all in all,
it’s just really good fun. I love it! … I did pretty
poorly at school, I wasn’t that academic. If you’ve got
some interest in mathematics and science it’ll make things
easier but that’s not to say if you aren’t good at maths
and science that you can’t do it. I’m a perfect example
of that. If you put your mind to anything you want to do,
you can always achieve it.”
GREG SUMMERTON
(Kai Tahu) – Christchurch
“My company is
the only company that has a retail situation in the United
States in a direct capacity, which is quite a coup. And the
way I did that was I developed my story about what I was
doing and my brand … I was just telling my family story,
my life story, about Okains Bay where my family originated
from, on Banks Peninsula. I got an interview with the head
seafood buyer of Coscos in the United States … he said he
was really impressed with it, he’d read my profile and was
ready to order and that’s how the business started. So now
we’re the only New Zealand company supplying Coscos direct
in the United States. We’re also supplying 28 stores in
London and three stores in Australia.”
HEMI ROLLESTON (Ngati Whakaue, Ngaiterangi,
Ngati Ranginui) – Mount Maunganui
Hemi
Rolleston is the Chief Executive Officer of Te Awanui
Hukapak Limited – a 100 per cent Maori-owned company based
in Mount Maunganui. Hemi's career highlights include the
brokering of a business transaction conservatively valued at
$24 million in 2009. As a result of this, Te Awanui Hukapak
is now the largest shareholder in Seeka Industries, a listed
company and the largest kiwifruit company in New Zealand.
Hemi holds a business management degree and postgraduate
qualifications in Maori and completed the Kelloggs Rural
Leaders Programme at Lincoln University in 2010. A member of
the NZ Institute of Directors since 2007, he has received
the Bay of Plenty Export Achievement Award and the Bay of
Plenty Institute of Directors Aspiring Directors Award.
JORDAN KOZIOL-REPIA (Ngati Kahungunu,
Rongomaiwahine, Takitimu) – Auckland
“I’m
an application developer and production editor that works on
applications for Apple Ipad, Iphone and Mac. Apps are
applications that people can use in everyday life – you
can just download one from the apps store and it makes
things real easy. Most of the people I show apps to are
like, ‘how did you do that?’ I’m like, ‘magic
code!’ … One of the projects I really enjoyed was a
fairy tale book that I did for the Ipad that involved
composing a lot of music and working with the animations to
try and bring it to life. It really came out really well –
it’s good to see positive reactions from kids. I think the
exciting thing is using new technologies that only a handful
of people around the world use. I’m trying to look for new
projects that will hopefully change the future.”
KATIE BROWN (Ngati Raukawa ki Waikato) –
Wellington
Born and raised in Timaru, Katie
Brown studied for a year in Montreal and worked for several
years at the Ministry of Social Development before
completing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and
Management at Victoria in Wellington. Katie worked at Trade
Me, first in customer service. She developed the Trade Me
Stores function before becoming an account manager of some
of New Zealand's largest recruiters in Trade Me Jobs. She
built up the Trade Me Jobs social media strategy and
consulted in multiple internal projects as well as
administering and managing the Trade Me CRM, Salesforce.
Katie now works for web design company, Pikselin.
KAUAHI NGAPORA (Waikato, Tainui, Ngati Mahanga,
Ngati Haua, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kuri) – Kaikoura
“My first flash job at Whale Watch was called
a caregiver which had me emptying spew buckets. I had about
10 or 12 buckets lined up and if you felt sick, I’d hand
you a seasickness bucket. You’d spew in it, I’d clean it
and give it back to you … I’ve been at Whale Watch for
20 years, so started off at the bottom and now sitting up at
the top which has given me a good perspective on how the
whole business operates as I’ve been through all the
stages in there. Most of my learning has been through good
mentors – learning from your mistakes and life experiences
really … Because it’s a Maori business, it’s
intergenerational so my key goal is – when the reins get
passed on – to ensure that the business is in a strong
position for the next generation that comes through and
looks after it.”
KIMBERLY MAXWELL
(Whakatohea, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati Porou, Ngai Tai) –
Wellington
“I’m an aquaculture researcher
so during the day we’re growing sea animals, growing them
to make money and create jobs for people and also as a food
resource. I love the miracle of life so being able to see
animals come up from being eggs, growing all the way to
adults – then, at the end of the day, popping some of them
in a pan and having a kai! I’ve been working on hapuku,
paua and, at the moment, sea cucumbers. So we’ve collected
adults, females and males from the wild, got them to release
their eggs, then they’re little free-swimming larvae and
we feed these and keep them clean … we are now growing
them to see how long it will take before we can sell them
commercially. We’re hoping it will take about two
years.”
KINGI SNELGAR (Ngapuhi, Ngati
Whakaue, Whakatohea, Ngai Tahu) – Auckland
“I finished my degree in 2011 and I’m now
in my third year with a law firm called Meredith Connell
where I am practising in criminal prosecution. It is a great
place for court room experience and to learn from the top
criminal lawyers in Aotearoa. I am focussed on gaining as
much experience in criminal law before hopefully completing
a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, Canada or the
United States. My big goal is to return home to my people
and use my skills to help with our treaty settlement … The
most nerve-racking thing, but a big achievement, was to
present a statement on behalf of an international rangatahi
network at a United Nations conference in Geneva.”
LISA KANAWA (Ngapuhi, Ngati Raukawa) –
Turangi
“I’m self-employed, I run a
consultancy specialising in environmental planning and
policy … what I love about what I do is empowering hapu,
marae and iwi to get a feeling for the environment and feel
like they can express themselves in their own whenua, in
their own awa … On November 1, I’ll be doing an 80-day
ski to the South Pole with a crew of eight women from
different continents. How it links to my job and my career
is the focus for the expedition is water and that
individuals all over the world have access to water. So the
physical part of the challenge is quite hard but the
challenging part for me is how do I communicate this access
water message back to New Zealand and make it more real for
everybody. How we use water and are we using it
appropriately.”
LIZ TE AMO (Waitaha,
Tuhourangi, Tapuika, Ngati Moko) – Auckland
“I am the Pouarahi of Maori business for New
Zealand Trade and Enterprise – it’s a very exciting job.
I get to grow Maori jobs internationally. We have 36
international offices and we are part of what we call NZ
Inc. For me, to be able to truly represent New Zealand, you
have to have a strong cultural aspect to that no matter
where you come from. So I’m lucky that I’m Maori because
that is unique to New Zealand and it’s a part of our
identity and who we are. For Maori, if I think about the
industries of the future, there is no question we need more
people in science, engineering, business, and particularly
international business and that’s where I’d really
encourage people to go, particularly Maori … Right now is
the time Maori are really, really poised to do great
things.”
MANIA CAMPBELL-SEYMOUR
(Whakatohea, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngai Tai, Tuhoe) –
Auckland
“I'm in my fifth year studying
medicine at the University of Auckland and doing placements
at Auckland, Waikato and Waitakere Hospitals. I will end up
with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery … You need to be
hard-working, determined to succeed and have good whanau
support. This is a difficult degree but it's very rewarding.
Don't shy away from the challenge. If I can do it, so can
you! I didn't need a flash private school education to get
me to this point. – just a bit of encouragement and
confidence is all it took. The thing I love most is working
alongside other Maori and Pacific students at university …
I received the Chancellor’s Award for Top Maori and
Pacific Scholar. My other big achievement was … to go
through the interview process to gain entry into med school.
”
MARU NIHONIHO (Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati
Porou, Ngai Tahu) – Auckland
Maru Nihoniho is
managing director of Auckland-based computer game and
intellectual property development company, Metia
Interactive. Working with the University of Auckland Faculty
of Medical and Health Sciences, Maru’s team developed an
innovative ‘e-therapy game’ which is currently
undergoing clinical trials. ‘SPARX’ uses an interactive
3D fantasy game to teach young people the skills to cope
with depression and manage their mood. Metia Interactive was
also nominated for a United Nations World Summit Award for
their PlayStation Portable game, ‘Cube’. “Come and
work in the games industry because it’s creative and
exciting, it’s changing. The technology changes, it offers
new challenges all the time. What we do evolves constantly
and because of that it makes it fun.”
MAUI HUDSON (Whakatohea, Nga Ruahine,
Te Mahurehure) – Hamilton
Maui Hudson has
qualifications in ethics and Maori health. In his role as a
research developer, Maui he works with iwi to develop
proposals, and provides cultural and ethical advice to
researchers. He is a member of the Health Research
Council’s Ethics Committee and co-authored Te Ara Tika:
Guidelines on Maori Research Ethics – a framework for
researchers and ethics committee members. Maui’s own
research is focussed on ethics, traditional healing and the
interface between matauranga Maori and science. “The thing
I love most about my job is the variety and the challenge.
Science and health are awesome areas to gain qualifications
in because there are lots of opportunities for work both
here in Aotearoa and overseas.”
MELANIE
CHEUNG (Ngati Rangitihi, Te Arawa)
“I’m from
Matata and I grew up in Edgecumbe. I studied for a Bachelor
of Science in Biological Sciences, Master of Science in
Biochemistry and a Doctorate (PhD) in Pharmacology at the
University of Auckland. I'm a neurobiologist so I study the
brain. I work at the university as a neurobiologist studying
neurodegenerative diseases in Maori and indigenous
communities. I lecture and do research on biology,
neurodegenerative diseases, neuroscience, matauranga Maori
science, indigenous knowledge, ethics and science education.
The two research centres that I work at are Te Kotahi
Research Institute at the University of Waikato and the
Centre for Brain Research at the University of
Auckland.”
MOHI AUPOURI (Ngati Porou,
Ngati Tuwharetoa) – Raparua
“I’m a farm
manager – I run the farm for our family along with my
daughter. It’s roughly about 2,000 hectares and we run
beef and sheep … I love the lifestyle, out in the fresh
air and all that sort of stuff. I love my dogs, my horses
and the sheep and the cattle, I love working with animals,
especially breeding … As of lately, I’ve been able to
get a business diploma on running a business. It means I
will be able to make my business run more efficiently, make
this business more profitable and up the production. Now I
realise there’s other factors in running a business – a
whole lot about planning and being ahead of yourself and
thinking ahead. If I leave this job, I can go away and use
my tohu to get another job, another business, totally away
from farming.”
ROD DRURY (Ngai Tahu) –
Wellington
One of New Zealand's leading
technology entrepreneurs, Rod Drury is the founder of small
business accounting software provider Xero which listed on
the New Zealand Stock Exchange in 2007. Rod completed his
bachelor’s degree at Victoria in 1987. He is a member of
the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame, NZ Hi-Tech
Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and 2007, World Class New
Zealander for ICT in 2008 and an Honorary Fellow of the NZ
Computer Society. Rod is a Director of the New Zealand Stock
Exchange, a member of Victoria University of Wellington
Faculty of Commerce Advisory Board and was awarded New
Zealand Herald Business Leader of the Year in 2012.
DR SCOTT WAGHORN (Ngapuhi) – Auckland
Scott Waghorn graduated from Otago as a dentist
in 2004 and purchased Dentalcare West – the second largest
dental practice in West Auckland – in early 2008.
Scott’s thorough and incisive understanding of the latest
techniques and technology governing the practise of
dentistry is often called upon, especially on complex
subjects such as advanced restorative and orthodontic
problems. He is a published author whose advice is sought on
dental business and best practice matters often involving
the New Zealand dental service. He has given a number of
presentations across the country on various dental subjects
relevant to dentists including how to become a successful
young dentist and modern orthodontic dentistry.
SCOTTY MORRISON (Ngati Whakaue) – Auckland
“My formal qualifications are a Diploma in
Teaching, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Arts. At
the moment, I’m enrolled in a PhD programme at Massey
University … If you’re able to speak Maori, if you’ve
got Maori language as a skill in your CV, then you’ve got
the job. In the education sector … Maori language
broadcasting, government departments – it’s a highly
valued skill because they have a lot to do with Maori people
and they engage a lot with Maori tribes. So there are plenty
of employment opportunities out there now for people
who’ve got te reo Maori as a skill and it’s mainly
because we’ve got a shortage of Maori language speakers.
But in saying that, te reo Maori that they possess has to be
of a good quality.”
SHANNON JAMES (Ngati Whakaue, Ngati
Pikiao, Ngati Tipa) – Hamilton
“I'm studying
earth sciences because I need to further my knowledge to
become a real volcanologist. It's all a part of 'the plan'.
Currently I'm working at Mighty River Power in the
geothermal geoscience group – one more semester to
complete my degree, I graduate in October. Future prospects
include postgraduate study in geothermal and energy-related
sciences. I had a number of scholarships … the first one
was the Tuakau education funding, then Te Arawa Fisheries
and one from the Sir Howard Morrison Foundation. I also get
iwi grants from Ngati Whakaue … The thing I love most
about studying earth sciences is learning the reality about
the earth and its functions … what's not to love about
science? Interesting facts are a part of everyday
learning!”
STEVE SANSON (Ngapuhi) –
Kerikeri
“I'm a graduate planner at the Far
North District Council – I'm all finished at Auckland
University and currently working at the council. They gave
me a scholarship and part of the agreement was a two-year
stint with them upon completion. The thing I love most about
planning is there is always something different to do. There
are a range of different subjects involved and it's
constantly challenging and thought provoking … One of my
biggest achievements was being able to work with the small
community of Te Hana and helping their people in achieving
some of their dreams and aspirations, particularly in their
efforts to create a better environment for their
rangatahi.”
TEAREPA KAHI (Ngati Paoa,
Tainui) – Auckland
“I make documentaries
and programmes for television and short films and I’ve
just had the premiere of my first feature film called Mount
Zion … What I think is really important is that more Maori
need to be telling our stories so our whole perspective, our
world view, is very unique, not just unique to this country
but to the world and it requires more storytellers to be
telling those stories. What I get out of this personally is
hopefully making good stories for my whanau. I try and make
everything with my kids in mind, my tamariki in mind, and my
whanau … Real personal progress comes when you take
yourself out of the competition, where you just look
carefully at what it is you want to do, what are the stories
that you want to tell.”
TRAVIS O’KEEFE (Ngati Porou) –
Auckland
Travis O’Keefe is a social
entrepreneur, a New Zealand award winner for innovation and
entrepreneurial achievements and holds a number of company
directorships. As founder of IMTV Ltd, an early-stage
business investment company, Travis has gained success
through a variety of ventures including ethnic
communications, education and international distribution of
technology. He is described by the Minister of Maori
Affairs, Hon Dr Pita Sharples, as “an excellent example of
a young Maori business leader who has shown he has the goods
to navigate the innovation economy – to access and adopt
new technologies, to develop new output from the existing
resources”.
ENDS
LINKS
Nga
Kaihanga Hou – For Maori Future Makers: http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/in-focus/archive/future-makers/
He
Kai Kei Aku Ringa – The Crown-Maori Economic Growth
Partnership: http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/consultation/medp/strategy/
Maori
Youth in Education and Employment: http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/in-print/our-publications/fact-sheets/maori-youth-in-education-and-employment/