Maximising opportunities for Māori in the trade sector is the subject underpinning a hui that will bring together national and international speakers in Te Taitokerau this weekend.
The hui is the fourth and final in a series of hui organised by Te Taumata – a network of Māori businesses working to deliver better trade outcomes for Māori – and is expected to garner strong interest in Northland.
Te Taumata Chairman Chris Karamea Insley says the hui, held in Kerikeri, is a platform for New Zealand’s trade officials and Māori businesses to come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Māori businesses in this current social and economic climate.
Mr Karamea Insley says the line-up of speakers will provide attendees with a overview of the trade industry both in New Zealand and globally.
“It is no secret that COVID-19 has shaken the business-as-usual model and disrupted markets, supply chains, and distribution channels around the world.
“A key aspect of Māori businesses is harnessing our innate ability to adapt and innovate so it is vital Māori are part of the discussion about what is being done to navigate these challenges to ensure our voice and insights are heard.”
Mr Karamea Insley says taking hui to regional cities around New Zealand helps spread their kaupapa to communities that would otherwise not have access to these kōrero.
“We are thrilled to finally be able to bring this kaupapa to the forefront and provide a space for key players in the trade industry to kōrero together, kanohi ki te kanohi on issues, opportunities and trade strategies,” Mr Karamea Insley says.
“Feedback from our previous hui in Rotorua, Gisborne and Nelson has been extremely positive, with guests walking away feeling empowered and reinvigorated by the discussions they had and the panels they attended.
“Our people have been telling us that before attending a hui, they didn’t really understand trade. Now, they are seeing how deeply important it is for their communities, with one in four jobs derived from trade.”
The full-day programme includes a series of discussion panels and presentations on topics ranging from indigenous trade and exchange to enabling Māori to benefit from e-commerce.
Envirotech opportunities in trade and protecting cultural heritage will also be among the topics discussed.
The Northland hui will be held on Saturday, May 1 from 7.30am to 4pm at Turner Centre in Kerikeri. Admission is free and attendees can register here. https://tetaitokerautradehuiregistration.eventbrite.com
The hui will also be livestreamed here on Facebook for those unable to physically attend.