Economic development agency slammed for ignoring iwi
The Central Economic Development Agency has been slammed by Ma¯ori business leaders over its failure to connect with iwi or involve them in decision-making.
Entrepreneur Graeme Everton and Te Au Pakiki, the Ma¯ ori Business Association for Manawatu¯ and Palmerston North, said the agency had so far failed to recognise them as partners with significant potential to contribute to regional growth.
They were speaking at the Manawatu¯ District/palmerston North City joint strategic planning committee about gaps in the agency’s plans for next year.
Everton said ‘‘little, to the point of nothing’’ in CEDA‘S plans recognised the special treaty-based relationship the councils had with local iwi. He said the councils should appoint two Ma¯ori directors to the agency board, as it had no Ma¯ ori on the board or on staff.
‘‘Ma¯ ori do not see themselves reflected in CEDA, and CEDA itself has failed to acknowledge this.’’
Everton said the agency was failing to connect and cultivate the ‘‘tremendous potential’’ of Ma¯ ori business in the region.
‘‘We sit on significant assets that need help. It is a hungry community that wants to release its resources.’’
Te Au Pakihi spokeswoman Lisa Warbrick said Ma¯ori economic development was one of the key strategies of the Accelerate 2025 regional growth programme, but there were critical gaps in plans to make things happen.
She supported the call for two Ma¯ ori directors to be appointed to the CEDA board.
Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith said the Ma¯ ori deputations were quality ones, and the councils needed to respond, but his recommendation was for a business plan rather than the appointment of Ma¯ ori directors.
Board member John Fowke said it was his personal view that CEDA had not done enough work in engaging Ma¯ ori and needed to lift its game.
CEDA chief executive Linda Stewart said she recognised the importance of the agency’s role in strengthening Ma¯ ori business performance, and would respond to the requests for engagement.