In his press release, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Hon Dr Shane Reti said “this is an economic growth initiative” and that it will “open up significant export opportunities for New Zealand businesses.”

“This is a pivotal milestone toward advancing Māori economic development and growth, one of our key strategic priorities, as it’s opened the door to enable continued diversification and greater investment in the Māori economy,” says Laine Fisher, Te Pae Tawhiti Policy Manager.

The Te Pae Tawhiti team within Te Puni Kōkiri has been working in close partnership with the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Māori Science, Innovation and Technology team to strengthen relationships and apply a systems leadership and influencing approach that has helped elevate the importance of this mahi.

This partnership has enabled MBIE to draw on Te Puni Kōkiri policy thinking to help shape the design of the Biodiscovery Platform. Building on this momentum, Te Puni Kōkiri will continue to develop policy to ensure the platform is supported by practical tools and resources that empower Iwi, Hapū, whānau, and Māori enterprises to fully engage and benefit.

The Biodiscovery Platform complements the broader policy initiatives led by the Te Pae Tawhiti team under the Going for Growth with Māori: Tōnui Māori Economic Framework which is focused on unlocking greater foreign investment to accelerate the growth of Māori businesses and strengthen international partnerships.

This framework is focused on unlocking greater foreign investment to accelerate the growth of Māori businesses and strengthen international partnerships.