Toni Kerr (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga), Māori Economic Development and Strategy general manager, says WellingtonNZ seeks to support a thriving regional economy for all which includes equitable access to the system through procurement opportunities.
“We acknowledge that in this period of economic uncertainty, we need to be sharply focused and make every engagement count. Following an initial kōrero with experts, we wanted to begin to understand this competitive landscape and where we could make an impact for change.
“We interviewed a small group of Māori suppliers with lived experience to tell us about their journey. We then sought to understand the perspective of some buyers who are modelling practices that support greater access.”
Toni Kerr says the resulting report is a first step in providing insights and identifying opportunities for impact across four key themes of collaboration, capability, support and action. From this, the team will continue to explore ways to support and grow businesses in the region alongside value-aligned partners.
“We know that what’s good for Māori is good for everyone, so one of our follow-on projects is development of a WOF for procurement readiness where we will be seeking the voice of experience from across the system, from our Pasifika whānau, business networks, and of course procurers including government.”
The greater ambition is to create a coalition of participants willing to explore new ways of doing things.
“There is plenty to do in this space and we’re absolutely committed to making every engagement count,” Toni Kerr says.
The report can be accessed on WellingtonNZ’s website.
WellingtonNZ acknowledges everyone who generously contributed their time, energy and support to this kaupapa.
Adam Brown, Blair Waipara, Chloē Reweti, David Brabant, Dr Tze Ming Mok, Eboni Waitere, Frae Cairns, Hayley Moore, Jonathan Taylor, Johnson Witehira, Kahurangi Malcolm, Katie Brown, Max Christian, Melanie Ahnau, Peter Corley, Raj Kulkarni, Te Wehi Wright.
Tihei Mauri Ora, we breathe life into this journey
Date Published: 15 October 2024
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