Assistance for Maori in Aquaculture

Poutama trust- This was by far the most helpful organization to me when graduating from university and entering the business arena. This organization helps those that can not get bank loans etc. Even with 50 hectares of land (including three beaches)and a freehold home we were unable to borrow even ten thousand dollars due to our land status (Maori)and bank policy (BNZ - Coromandel) without putting up our whole block as collateral. History tells us not to do this. Thanks Poutama and team.

Technology New Zealand- This organization can be quite useful if you have something unique. In my opinion it is advisable to apply for pakeha putea as they are larger and Maori putea tend to be under resourced and over subscribed. I found that I personally had greater success with pakeha funding opportunities.

Te ohu Kaimoana- I was extremely fortunate to be the recipient of Te ohu Kaimoana's premier scholarship to study at the University of Tasmania. Our family farm benefited through a joint research project in crayfish culture. The project was a joint effort with Maori research company (Konaki), Kennedy Bay Mussels, Waipaua aquafarms with funding and financial assistance from Technology NZ and Te ohu Kaimoana. Further results were achieved after the completion of the project with high stocking densities, survival rates, growth rates and sales of up to $1000/ kg for crayfish. Te ohuKaimoana is designed to help iwi rather then individuals. Dont get into aquaculture expecting them to bail you out. It wont happen.

Te Puni Kokiri- This is the name for the old Maori affairs department. This organization offers advise to Maori. It appears last on the list of government departments and has one of the smallest putea of any government departments. The staff are under resourced, nicely dressed, have nice cars and the buildings appear well adorned with Maori decorations. This department is a token gesture of governments commitment to Maori and the treaty of Waitangi. Do not go in with high expectations. Staff here are confined by low putea, and stringent bureaucratic regulations.

Hauraki Maori trust board- Offered no support to Waipaua. Perhaps there are difficulties in working with 12 tribes as well as individuals. Dont get into aquaculture expecting HMTB to; bail you out, help employ staff, or create employment opportunities or help financially with training assistance programes or subsidies.