Tauranga is hosting the inaugural national conference for Maori business networks early next month - giving new and established businesses a chance to share innovative ideas.
The two-day Te Hekenga conference will be held at the TECT Arena at Bay Park.
Te Manawa Pou Tahi - the Tauranga Maori Business Association - is holding the event, which Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples will open.
Association chairperson Buddy Mikaere says Maori businesses provide a large part of the engine driving the New Zealand economy.
He says larger iwi organisations such as Tainui and Ngai Tahu are big players when it comes to farming, forestry, fishing and horticulture, and have also set up vibrant property investments.
Among those motivating the audience will be Sevens' rugby coach Gordon Tietjens.
