Five Maori business leaders are off to America to gain insight into its indigenous peoples' economic strategies.
Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust chairman Ngarimu Blair is part of the delegation leaving on the three-week trip tomorrow to visit more than 50 groups of native Americans.
The trip, sponsored by the United States Embassy, will include visiting First Nation tribes' education institutions, and technology and investment corporations.
Mr Blair says they will be hosted in the homes of real community people, which he hopes will provide a rich experience and benefit iwi.
They will meet people involved in huge construction companies, with one tribe owning more than two million hectares of land and operating in forestry, minerals and telecommunications.
Mr Blair says he is sure there will be examples around tribal development, housing and health which Maori, too, are looking for answers on.
Other members of the delegation are Lisa Tumahai, of Ngai Tahu; Toa Greening, of Te Huarahi Tika Trust; Gina Rangi, of Tuaropaki Trust; and Paki Rawiri, of Tainui.
