16 Aug 2011

Maori business bid for Kiwibank link fails

11:17 am on 16 August 2011

Attempts by a major Maori business consultancy to build a special relationship with KiwiBank have broken down.

Consultancy firm Poutama says it proposed closer ties with KiwiBank thinking a relationship with Maori business would be the perfect match.

Chief executive Richard Jones says the idea was to build a solid relationship with both entities promoting. each other's services.

He says he put a lot of work into trying to develop the relationship, but it never really got off the ground.

Mr Jones blames a change in personnel at KiwiBank, meaning the business organisation had to start developing a link all over again.

He says he is now working with all the big banks on developing links.

Meanwhile, KiwiBank has issued a statement saying there may have been some misunderstandings and that it is making urgent contact with Poutama.