Submissions to the Maori Economic Development Panel on ways to improve the performance and productivity of the Maori economy in New Zealand have now closed.
The Government set up thr independent nine-person panel to develop an economic strategy and action plan for Maori in September 2011.
Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana says the panel released a 40-page discussion document in March setting out the criteria for realising the potential of the Maori economy.
It then held hui in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch attended by business people, public servants and representatives from whanau and iwi organisations.
Mr Tomoana says the Maori economy may be worth $37 billion, but it is under-performing, particularly at the whanau level, and there is substantial room for improvement.
He says the panel has to report its recommendations to the Ministers of Maori Affairs and Economic Development by the end of July.
