Maori Party congratulates Te Huarahi Tika Trust
te-pati-maori
Thu Nov 03 2011 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
Maori Party congratulates Te Huarahi Tika Trust
Thursday, 3 November 2011, 3:17 pm
Press Release: The Maori Party
MEDIA STATEMENT
The Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Tamaki Makaurau
Thursday 3 November 2011
Maori Party congratulates Te Huarahi Tika Trust
Maori Party Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples has congratulated Te Huarahi Tika Trust on the release of the first te reo Maori smartphone, and the announcement of scholarships to encourage Maori into the ICT industry.
"These are hugely significant Maori initiatives in the digital and ICT sector," said Dr Sharples. "These announcements lay the foundations for an even brighter future," he said.
"A 2degrees smartphone, with all its menus and options in te reo Maori, symbolises Maori participation in cutting-edge technology, and the use of our language as an everyday part of modern life.
"Te Huarahi Tika Trust and Hautaki Ltd have helped change the digital communications landscape in Aotearoa, and contributed over $2 billion to our economy, with the launch of 2degrees.
It all came about through the determination of the trustees to create a pathway for Maori into the ICT industry, with a bold strategy, shrewd partnerships, persistent lobbying and careful investments.
“I’m really proud of the leadership they have demonsrated in positioning tangata whenua right at the forefront of progress within the telecommunications world.
"The ICT scholarships they announced, reflect the growing need for qualified Maori to take up some incredible opportunities.
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
“Te Huarahi Trust has blazed a new trail, in establishing Maori as creaters, owners, managers and leaders in the digital world.
"Accelerating Aotearoa connects senior Maori college students with career guidance about ICT training and employment. There are scholarships for Maori to undertake ICT Qualifications at Auckland University. And to cap it off, 2degrees has promised to recruit young Maori into a structured career plan".
"This is an area where the sky is the limit for Maori success in the knowledge economy.
"The Maori Party's policies strongly support Maori initiatives in ICT and digital communications," said Dr Sharples. I am delighted that alongside these new initiatives from Te Huarahi Tika Trust and 2degrees. Maori are geared up to take advantage of every opportunity in the expanding digital horizons”.
ENDS
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}
Using Scoop for work?
Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.
Join Pro Individual Find out more
Find more from The Maori Party on InfoPages.