Discussions on iwi oil exploration and mining got buried at a Maori economic development trust conference, with talks instead turning to the success of a native Alaskan company.
Te Putea Whakatupu held its annual two-day hui in Waitangi earlier this month, with native Alaskan-owned Nana Development Corporation providing the key-note address.
Trust chair Richard Jefferies says the company was to discuss its successful mineral operations but talks instead turned towards its extensive portfolio, which includes information technology, fishing and hospitality.
Conference delegates were excited and interested to see a tribal corporation - which employs more than 10,000 people - doing so well across a range of industries.
Mr Jefferies says the importance of collaboration was a key message from the hui.
