The Ministry of Science and Innovation plans to appoint its first chief adviser for Maori development.
Chief executive Murray Bain says the ministry recognises the Maori economy is an important and growing part of New Zealand's economy.
He says Maori have a long term perspective of science and innovation which includes preserving the environment, while improving productivity and making better use of land and water.
Mr Bain says many iwi are looking at how to make best use of their land, how to improve its resilience to climatic events, and make better use of the water and geothermal energy they have.
