Rainey Collins Partner and Chair of Te Awe Wellington Maori Business Network Peter Johnston was delighted to host Deputy Prime Minister Bill English at a post budget breakfast held in Wellington recently.  Peter spoke to the Deputy Prime Minister about the impact of the Budget on Maori business and the work of Te Awe Wellington Maori Business Network.

The speakers for the post budget breakfast included Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, Deputy Prime Minister & Finance Minister Bill English and Corrections Minister Judith Collins.

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English praised the work of Te Awe and its role in connecting Maori in business.

The speakers spoke about how Budget 2010 provides support to Maori business.   Specific initiatives to assist Maori business include:

• “$4.5 million to grow Maori productivity, exports and develop Maori innovation.
• $4.5 million to strengthen and promote Maori tourism.
• $1.5 million for Iwi/Maori partnerships with the Government to identify priorities in science.
• Developing a ‘Brand Maori’ to gain premium prices for Maori-produced goods exported to niche markets.
• Support for a delegation of Maori business leaders at the World Expo in Shanghai.

Te Awe Chair Peter Johnston said that Te Awe was pleased to host the breakfast which provided an opportunity for the Wellington Maori Business community to hear from and engage with Government leaders.