Latest news with #MāoriDevelopment
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Championing Innovation In Māori Economic Development: Jacob (Hākopa) Ashdown Named 2025 Harkness Fellow
The Harkness Fellowships Trust (NZ) is proud to announce the selection of Hākopa Ashdown as the 2025 New Zealand Harkness Fellow. Hākopa Ashdown, (Te Aupōuri, Ngai Takoto, Ngāti Kahu), currently Private Secretary to the Minister for Māori Development at Te Puni Kōkiri, will undertake a prestigious research residency at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, Harvard Kennedy School, later this year. The Harkness Fellowships, administered in partnership with the Leadership Development Centre at Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission, are among New Zealand's most esteemed international awards for public sector leaders, supporting high-potential individuals to study or research in the United States for three to six months. The value of this year's fellowship is $60,000. The Fellowships aim to foster leadership, innovation, and the exchange of ideas between New Zealand and the US, empowering Fellows to address pressing challenges and drive positive change upon their return. Ashdown's project, Lessons Learned from the United States - Indigenous Economic Growth and Development in Underserved Communities, will examine successful US policies and initiatives that have accelerated economic growth for indigenous and economically disadvantaged communities. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading His research seeks to understand how Special Economic Zones have attracted private capital into low-income communities designated as 'Opportunity Zones', and how communities have established their own Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to address access to capital issues. Through the Fellowship, he will generate practical recommendations for New Zealand policymakers and iwi to improve economic growth. 'Hākopa Ashdown exemplifies the spirit of the Harkness Fellowship: a commitment to public service, a drive for innovation, and a vision for a more equitable and prosperous New Zealand,' says Aphra Green, Chair of the Harkness Fellowships Trust. 'His project promises to deliver real impact for Māori and for all New Zealanders, and we are delighted to support his journey.' Dave Samuels, Secretary for Māori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri, added: 'We are very proud of Hākopa and delighted with his selection as the 2025 New Zealand Harkness Fellow. Hākopa joins a prestigious line of Māori leaders who have been awarded the Fellowship, including Kara Puketapu, Whaimutu Dewes, Pauline Kingi, Hon Shane Jones, Hon Dr Shane Reti, Doug Jones, Peter Douglas, Anake Goodall, and Chief Judge Dr Caren Fox. 'We wish him well for his time at Harvard and look forward to following his work on community-led solutions and economic growth.' Ashdown brings a distinguished record of leadership and service to the Fellowship. With nearly two decades of experience spanning roles in government, iwi, and community organisations, he has contributed to cross-agency initiatives such as Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga and the National Direction on Papakāinga, and holds a Master of Science in Psychology (First Class). He is also an active participant in iwi governance and a recipient of multiple leadership awards. Reflecting on his selection, Ashdown said: 'I am honoured to be named the 2025 Harkness Fellow. This is a unique opportunity to learn from leading thinkers and practitioners at Harvard and across the US, and to bring back innovative ideas that can help accelerate economic growth and support community-led development. My goal is to forge new partnerships, share practical solutions, and inspire collaboration between government, iwi, and communities in Aotearoa.' Ashdown's research will include case studies, stakeholder engagement, and community visits in the US, culminating in a policy brief and a series of dissemination hui for New Zealand audiences. He will also participate in executive leadership programmes offered by Harvard. The Harkness Fellowships Trust congratulates Hākopa Ashdown and looks forward to the insights and connections he will bring back to New Zealand. About the Harkness Fellowships Trust The New Zealand Harkness Fellowships Trust Board established the New Zealand Harkness Fellowships in 2009 to reinforce links between New Zealand and the US and to enable executive leaders in the Public Sector to benefit from study and travel in the US. The Fellowships offer emerging leaders in the public sector the opportunity to spend 3-6 months undertaking research in the United States. The fellowships enable successful candidates to gain first-hand knowledge and build contacts in their chosen field of endeavour that will be highly relevant to the NZ context and future NZ/US links. The Trust Board works to administer the fellowships in partnership with the Leadership Development Centre, which is acting on behalf of Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. The current fellowships continue a Harkness fellowship programme that stretches back over sixty years.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Orang Asli welfare laws to undergo major amendments, says Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second, left) holds a meeting with the Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, held at the Minister's Meeting Room in the New Zealand Parliament, today. --fotoBERNAMA WELLINGTON: After more than 70 years, laws regarding the rights and welfare of the nation's Orang Asli will undergo significant amendments, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said the proposed amendments will be wide-ranging, covering not only land-related matters but also other aspects, inspired by the model used by the Maori community in New Zealand. "The Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) is now 71 years old, and many aspects need to be reviewed. We are not only looking at land ownership but also their rights in education, business, and financing,' he said. 'Of course, we cannot fully adopt New Zealand's model, but its approach can be adapted based on the needs and realities of Malaysia's Orang Asli community," he told reporters at a press conference at Malaysia House on Wednesday (July 16). Dr Ahmad Zahid said some of the proposed amendments are derived from what was learned during his working visit to New Zealand. Besides land protection, he noted that the Maori model also addressed education and economic elements. He said the proposed amendments are still at the early draft stage, and added that engagement with relevant stakeholders, including academicians and professionals from the Orang Asli community, is still ongoing. Dr Ahmad Zahid added that the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) will also be tasked with looking at the development of the Orang Asli community beyond their basic needs, such as infrastructure and education. 'The purpose of this amendment is not to deny rights, but rather to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. "It will be brought to the Cabinet for discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, and voted on," he said. He added that March next year would likely be the timeframe for the amendments to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. Dr Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that cooperation from the respective state governments is crucial in ensuring the proposed amendments are drafted accordingly. 'Cooperation with state governments is crucial. "We do not want to exclude any party, so ongoing engagement sessions are being conducted with state leadership and representatives from the 377 Orang Asli villages in Peninsular Malaysia," he said. Although the Orang Asli are a minority in Malaysia, with a population of only about 225,000, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the Madani government will not marginalise their rights. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid held a meeting with Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka at the New Zealand Parliament, known as the Beehive. The meeting provided both parties with the opportunity to share views on indigenous community development policies and strengthen cooperation to empower the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, also met with his counterpart David Seymour. He later held an engagement session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand's president, Ibrar Sheikh, at Malaysia House.
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Ahmad Zahid Continues Official Visit With High-Level Meetings In New Zealand
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continues the third day of his official working visit to New Zealand with a series of meetings with several senior leaders of the country in the country's capital, aimed at strengthening Malaysia–New Zealand bilateral relations. From Ahmad Erwan Othman WELLINGTON, July 16 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continues the third day of his official working visit to New Zealand with a series of meetings with several senior leaders of the country in the country's capital, aimed at strengthening Malaysia–New Zealand bilateral relations. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, began his packed itinerary at 8 am local time (4 am Malaysian time) with a meeting with the Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, held at the Minister's Meeting Room in the New Zealand Parliament. The meeting is expected to provide both parties with an opportunity to share views on indigenous community development policies and explore potential cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand in empowering the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. He is then scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, David Seymour. The meeting will be followed by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), symbolising a shared commitment to broaden future cooperation, at the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister's Office at the Beehive building. According to the released itinerary, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the local Muslim community, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to visit Kilbirnie Mosque and engage in a dialogue session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend an official luncheon hosted by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Beehive building before delivering a keynote address at the Halal Forum and joining a high tea reception with Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard. The forum, which will be held at the National Library of New Zealand, is co-organised by the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). It aims to strengthen cooperation in the halal sector, particularly in food exports and certification. In a related development, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Government and the New Zealand Government on higher education, aimed at expanding opportunities for Malaysian government-sponsored students to pursue studies in New Zealand.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Zahid continues official visit, high-level meetings set in New Zealand
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continues the third day of his official working visit to New Zealand with a series of meetings with several senior leaders, aimed at strengthening Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, began his packed itinerary at 8am local time (4 am Malaysian time) with a meeting with the Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, held at the Minister's Meeting Room in the New Zealand Parliament. The meeting is expected to provide both parties with an opportunity to share views on indigenous community development policies and explore potential cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand in empowering the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. He is then scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, David Seymour. The meeting will be followed by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), symbolising a shared commitment to broaden future cooperation, at the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister's Office at the Beehive building. According to the released itinerary, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the local Muslim community, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to visit Kilbirnie Mosque and engage in a dialogue session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend an official luncheon hosted by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Beehive building before delivering a keynote address at the Halal Forum and joining a high tea reception with Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard. The forum, which will be held at the National Library of New Zealand, is co-organised by the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). It aims to strengthen cooperation in the halal sector, particularly in food exports and certification. In a related development, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Government and the New Zealand Government on higher education, aimed at expanding opportunities for Malaysian government-sponsored students to pursue studies in New Zealand. On Thursday (July 17) Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay. As Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), he is also scheduled to visit the country's National Crisis Management Centre. In the afternoon, the Deputy Prime Minister will attend a gathering with the Malaysian community in Wellington, expected to draw over 250 Malaysians residing in the country. Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to conclude his working visit and depart for Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 18). Earlier, he began his visit in Auckland by meeting New Zealand industry and business leaders, including the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC), and continued the second day of his visit in Rotorua by attending a Maori Business Roundtable session, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in social and indigenous community development.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ahmad Zahid continues official visit with high-level meetings in New Zealand
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continues the third day of his official working visit to New Zealand with a series of meetings with several senior leaders of the country in the country's capital, aimed at strengthening Malaysia–New Zealand bilateral relations. Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, began his packed itinerary at 8am local time (4am Malaysian time) with a meeting with the Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, held at the Minister's Meeting Room in the New Zealand Parliament. The meeting is expected to provide both parties with an opportunity to share views on indigenous community development policies and explore potential cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand in empowering the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. He is then scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, David Seymour. The meeting will be followed by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), symbolising a shared commitment to broaden future cooperation, at the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister's Office at the Beehive building. According to the released itinerary, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the local Muslim community, Zahid is also scheduled to visit Kilbirnie Mosque and engage in a dialogue session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend an official luncheon hosted by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Beehive building before delivering a keynote address at the Halal Forum and joining a high tea reception with Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard. The forum, which will be held at the National Library of New Zealand, is co-organised by the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). It aims to strengthen cooperation in the halal sector, particularly in food exports and certification. In a related development, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Government and the New Zealand Government on higher education, aimed at expanding opportunities for Malaysian government-sponsored students to pursue studies in New Zealand. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay. As chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, he is also scheduled to visit the country's National Crisis Management Centre. In the afternoon, the deputy prime minister will attend a gathering with the Malaysian community in Wellington, expected to draw over 250 Malaysians residing in the country. Zahid is scheduled to conclude his working visit and depart for Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Earlier, he began his visit in Auckland by meeting New Zealand industry and business leaders, including the Asean New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC), and continued the second day of his visit in Rotorua by attending a Maori Business Roundtable session, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in social and indigenous community development. – Bernama
