19 August 2013

About 210 people have attended a Maori forestry forum in Rotorua, the first step towards the development of a national strategy for Maori land and forest owners.

Victor Goldsmith, a member of the Federation of Maori Authorities and the forum organising committee, said the presentations showed the huge variety of possible uses for forestry land.

He said most iwi were represented, with parties present from 160 different land blocks. It had been about a decade since a similar forum was last held, he said.

Mr Goldsmith said the forum first looked at how forestry fitted within the Maori economy and in turn the national and global scene. Speakers then discussed innovative ideas such as manuka honey, eco-tourism and ginseng, and how they could be turned into commercial propositions.

He said following the forum the Federation aimed to develop an ongoing strategy, and yesterday's event would help ensure they were "on the right track".  They will then visit other regions to continue the discussion.

Source: Rotorua Post. To read the full story, click here.