New Zealand’s largest business network and the largest Maori business network will join together today to bring better value to their members, as well as the Maori and New Zealand economies.

BusinessNZ and the Federation of Maori Authorities will sign an agreement today in Wellington to work together for the benefit of more than 140 Maori businesses with a combined asset base worth around $8billion that are affiliated to the Federation, and the thousands of businesses associated with BusinessNZ.

The Memorandum of Understanding will see both parties work more formally and closely together in the best interests of their collective members.

“BusinessNZ and the Federation have worked co-operatively and collegially with successful results in the recent past. So we have already identified areas where our organisations might work together more closely to extend our respective influence and to add further value to our members,” said Federation chief executive Te Horipo Karaitiana.

BusinessNZ chief executive Phil O’Reilly agrees, “New Zealand’s success depends on business success. We need to cast the widest possible net and ensure both Maori and non-Maori businesses are involved in the quest for New Zealand’s success. This joint work is an exciting new chapter for both organisations.”

The signing will take place tonight at 5pm at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.