PROJECTS - PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

The principals of MANA TAIAO regard their involvement and management of iwi-owned commercial radio station MAI FM in Auckland as being amongst their finest achievements. MAI FM has operated profitably almost since its inception and consistently featured in the top three Auckland commercial stations for audience share and had almost complete command of the Polynesian youth audience. It was formerly the only wholly-owned New Zealand commercial radio station operating in the crowded Auckland market. The interests in MAI FM have now been sold but the spirit, energy and flair with which that organisation was operated remains very much in the personal philosophies of MANA TAIAO'S principals.  

The technical support and high-tech research expertise for MANA TAIAO and for MAI FM is provided by associated company STREAMCOM who have been responsible for many of the innovative communications solutions that keep iwi radio in general at the top of the technical communcation tree.

The major research project led by MANA TAIAO is Waka Tohu. www.wakatohu.com  This four-year $1.5m project took place between 2004 qnd 2007 and was led by MANA TAIAO in association with MANAAKI WHENUA - LANDCARE RESEARCH www.landcareresearch.co.nz. Other project collaborators include the Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) www.foma.co.nz; Nelson-based WAKATU Inc.,www.wakatu.org TRADE AND ENTERPRISE; www.nzte.govt.nz and the TE WHARE WANANGA O WAIKATO - the University of Waikato

Other projects currently in development include aquaculture - eel and koura farming, flax plantations, alternative energy sources, textile development, innovative cultural tourism and Maori Economic Development Projects.

MANA TAIAO has been involved in a wide variety of major past projects. Their successful track record includes:

•  the facilitation and development of the Viaduct Basin America's Cup facilities
•  the Waikato River future water supply to Auckland project
•  Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board Education initiative
• Settlement of the CNI Forestry claims

Philanthropic activities include involvement and support for the World Wide Fund for Nature (NZ) www.wwf.org.nz; Women's Refuge www.womensrefuge.org.nz; the Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.nz and the Baby James Charitable Trust. MANA TAIAO is actively pursuing a role for itself in attempting to assist in the battle against Diabetes amongst Maori.

WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING?

Mana Taiao aspires to be the leading Maori Organisation operating in their particular fields of expertise.