Maori Economic Development
80. A critique of the taskforce - and a tension felt by some of the members - was that the attempt to address the food and beverage sector as a whole - from pre-farm gate to consumer - meant that issues specific to some sub-sectors and some significant interest groups were not able to be addressed in detail or at all.
81. The 2004 paper establishing the taskforce noted that Māori have significant interests in fishing quota and agricultural assets. "The Food and Beverage sector engagement could have a significant impact in addressing the interests and opportunities of Māori." [CAB Min (04) 35/5 refers].
82. In the event, the taskforce focused on generic issues, as distinct from a specifically Maori dimension. Maori food and beverage interests will benefit from the initiatives outlined in this paper. I have also asked MED officials to consult with Te Puni Kokiri and MAF and report to me by December 2007 on whether there are specific initiatives or issues for Maori economic development and contribution to the sector which can be addressed in the context of the response to the food and beverage sector engagement.
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