Well respected Māori figure, Tā Pita Sharples has been appointed as a strategic advisor to the board of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).
ATEED is responsible for delivering Auckland Council's strategies to increase the prosperity of all Aucklanders. It also caters to the needs of Tamaki Makaurau's mana whenua and mataawaka, including programmes which focus on youth employment, and encourage innovation and Māori business ventures.
ATEED Board Chairman David McConnell says he is ecstatic Pita Sharples has gained this new position which will see him work and provide advice to the organisation's seven external directors and leadership team for the next year.
“Sir Pita has an outstanding record of achievement in the education and political worlds. Add his mana within Māoridom, and his huge knowledge of tikanga Māori and Tāmaki Makaurau – the great things and the challenges we face – and Sir Pita is the ideal person to challenge us on ATEED’s evolving Māori responsiveness and identifying opportunities to grow the Māori economy," McConnell says.
Sharples spoke of his elation at the appointment, saying “I’m looking forward to productive and challenging kaupapa with the ATEED Board. Māori traders have been a crucial part of Auckland’s economy from the beginning, and I am looking forward to giving my perspective on what needs to be done to deliver for Māori in today’s global economy."
He will now be a part of the inaugural Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival which will focus on Māori culture and heritage. The event will be held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend 2016 at Queens Wharf.