Land of the Maori RN Bush Telegraph's program flew across the
Tasman this week to look at the agricultural side of New
Zealand, a country that's both a close ally and a fierce
competitor for Australia in world trade. One interesting aspect
is the role of the Indigenous people, the Maori, who own large
amounts of land, some of it prime farming country and some of it
rugged and mountainous. They're trying to make themselves a more
powerful force in NZ agriculture, by moving into industries as
diverse as forestry, dairying and honey production. Broadcaster
Eru Rerekura gives us a snapshot of life in a bi-cultural
society. Jamie Tuuta, the chief executive of the Maori Trustee,
explains its role in managing and protecting Maori land, while
Traci Houpapa, chair of the Federation of Maori Authorities,
explains the strategies to develop new primary industry for her
people.