Maori forestry hui
Over 200 delegates attended the inaugural Māori Forestry Forum at Rotorua’s Waiariki Institute of Technology in August, providing an opportunity for Māori land and forest owners to discuss their aspirations for forestry.
Keynote speaker, Associate Minister for Primary Industries Hon. Jo Goodhew, described Government’s business growth agenda and the role of forestry in doubling primary sector exports by 2025. She explained how the economy and the environment can work together, with initiatives such as the permanent forest sink initiative and growing ginseng under pine trees, challenging the forestry sector to increase its share of primary growth partnerships (PGPs).
A strong theme emerging from the forum was the need for iwi to work together to achieve a national Māori forestry strategy and initiatives to increase Māori participation in forestry. The forum was co-hosted by Scion, Waiariki, Federation of Māori Authorities, Te Puni Kokiri and Te Arawa Primary Sector, and supported by Grow Rotorua, Westpac and Taha Beverages.
Keynote speaker, Associate Minister for Primary Industries Hon. Jo Goodhew, described Government’s business growth agenda and the role of forestry in doubling primary sector exports by 2025. She explained how the economy and the environment can work together, with initiatives such as the permanent forest sink initiative and growing ginseng under pine trees, challenging the forestry sector to increase its share of primary growth partnerships (PGPs).
A strong theme emerging from the forum was the need for iwi to work together to achieve a national Māori forestry strategy and initiatives to increase Māori participation in forestry. The forum was co-hosted by Scion, Waiariki, Federation of Māori Authorities, Te Puni Kokiri and Te Arawa Primary Sector, and supported by Grow Rotorua, Westpac and Taha Beverages.