Bay of Plenty Maori are being invited to a conference in Tauranga to build better relations with the regional council and to play a bigger part in enhancing the prosperity of the region.
The one-day hui, Te Toanga Mai o Te Ra - the Rising of the Sun - is being hosted by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 23 April to discuss, among other issues, the future use of Maori land, constitutional reform and the role of Maori in local government.
A keynote speaker will be Waitangi Tribunal chair and chief Maori Land Court judge Joe Williams, who will talk about whenua.
Human Rights Commissioner Joris de Bres will chair korero on iwi engagement with local councils led by Auckland University Maori studies professor Ann Sullivan and Te Mana o Ngati Rangtihi Trust chief executive Nick Alexander.
The regional council says it's an opportunity for tangata whenua to strengthen business relationships with each other and to get iwi involved in social, economical, and political affairs in the Waiariki region.
Other kaupapa on the agenda include water rights and Maori economic development.
