Purpose Paeroa - Māori Trustee rebrands

A new name for the Maori Trustee Office. The Maori Trustee, Jamie Tuuta says the new name of his office is Te Tumu Paeroa. The office aims to capitalise on unused lands. Irena Smith was there to see the new name launched. Over to you now, Irena. A new name, a new strategy and by working more closely with the Maori land owners, it's hoped they can do more with their land which will also contribute to the economy of New Zealand. Changing with the times, so that the Maori landowners aren't falling behind. It is time to give the Trustee a name change and put a new stake in the ground so that we can move forward. The new Maori Trustee says there are thousands of hectares of Maori land that isn't being used or managed, so owners aren't seeing any benefits. It's about utilising and developing the land so that the owners can see some benefits. It's a big challenge, but it's one we have laid out for ourselves and we will go out to the people to inform them about what our new plans are so that we can all move forward together. The trustee organisation is over 90 years old, and its head, Jamie Tuuta says it is not easy to change something that has that much history, but he has seen that there are instruments of today's technical world which can help to build growth out of Maori assets. We want to use new technologies, the internet and all its trappings. The world is evolving, so we need to evolve with it. It's not like the days of our elders, we need to use the tools of today to engage with our owners. The trustee is also aware of issues that are holding up potential, rewarding ideas to use land, like when there are multiple owners in one block of land who cannot agree or see how they might benefit from any new ventures. We want to help them to make those dreams and aspirations a reality. It is also hoped that by sitting down and talking to the owners, they can help to make their ideas a reality to benefit everyone. The new Maori Trustee will travel around the country for 12 meetings with landowners all over the North Island and in Christchurch, the first of which will be held on Monday in in Napier. This is the first time the Trust has actually gone out and met with owners in their regions so it's a sign of things to come. Kia ora, Irena Smith in Wellington.