The general manager of the Nelson-based Wakatu Incorporation says whanaungatanga, or family relationships, are as important in modern Maori business as in traditional times.
Ropata Taylor, from Ngati Rarua and Te Atiawa, says Wakatu is a long-term conservative investor.
Over the past 30 years it has grown its asset base from $11million to $250-million dollars through investment in horticulture, property, seafood and tourism businesses.
He says it also works with other like-minded Maori organisations such as the major Taranaki land incorporation Parininihi ki Waitotara.
