The Bank of New Zealand is expanding its Maori business team.
Two fluent Te Reo Maori speakers, Kiwa Whatarau and Hinemaua Rikirangi, have taken up senior manager roles in the team.
The head of Maori business, Pierre Tohe, who was appointed just over a year ago, says the team's rapid expansion reflects the growth in prominence of Maori organisations.
He says the Maori economy was valued at $37 billion in 2010 and continues to grow rapidly.
