The Māori Agribusiness Prototypes project tested new ways in which the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) could work in partnership with Māori land owning groups to support them improve the productivity of their land. Seven Māori Agribusiness ‘Prototype’ projects were established and MPI worked more pro-actively in partnership with the groups, and other strategic partners, to assist them in overcoming the challenges they face in improving the productivity of their land.

Judy Oakden and Nan Wehipeihana were delighted to attend the release of the Māori Agribusiness Prototype Evaluation report by the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and the Minister for Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell, in December 2014.

Nan Wehipeihana and Judy Oakden

​Minister Guy stated that “A report by Kinnect Group evaluates the Government’s work to build partnerships with Maori asset owners, a core part of MPI’s Māori Agribusiness programme. The aim is to help owners make informed decisions on improving their assets by connecting them with the right skills and knowledge. This has involved a range of projects covering different property sizes, land-holding structures and uses. The evaluation found the programme made a “valuable and worthwhile contribution” .

Ministers Te Ururoa Flavell and Nathan Guy

Also released at the same event was the “Growing the Productive Base of Māori Freehold Land” by Price Waterhouse Cooper. This report updates and refines estimates around the potential value of Māori freehold land.

​Minister Guy noted that these reports confirm the importance of partnering with Iwi, Māori asset owners, local communities and industry, and show very promising results.” Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell stated these two reports confirm the value of Māori land owners working with the private sector and government agencies and they :confirm the enormous potential there is in Māori land across New Zealand, and that we are on the right track with a collaborative approach.”