Ratahi Cross (left) Chairman, Te Awanui Huka Pak Ltd and Michael Ahie (right), Chairman, Plant and Food Research sign Strategic Partnership Kawenata

On the 19th of April 2017, Te Awanui Huka Pak and Plant and Food Research NZ commemorated their strategic partnership through a signing of a Kawenata. The signing of these Kawenata commemorated the commitment to working together over the next 12 months on key projects that will bring value to both parties. The Kawenata is supported by a 12 month project plan that identifies opportunities for collaboration that will advance the cultural, collective and commercial interests of Maori.”Plant and Food Research are a key player in the food and beverage value chain and we’re driven to see more Maori in that space” Te Horipo Karaitiana, GM, Te Awanui Huka Pak Ltd.One of the key focus areas of the Kawenata involves promoting and supporting more Maori to enter Science and Technology fields. To show their support, Plant and Food Research have created a scholarship specifically for Maori which will be run through the Te Awanui Kiwi Leaders programme which includes a financial component as well as a summer studentship programme.​”We’re excited to explore our relationship with Plant and Food Research and the opportunities this will bring for Maori.” Ngaria Rolleston, Communications and Business Development Manager, Te Awanui Huka Pak Ltd.