28 Sep 2010

Kiwibank's Maori lending push welcomed

8:01 pm on 28 September 2010

The chief executive of the Federation of Maori Authorities (Foma) is welcoming a push by Kiwibank to step up its lending to Maori businesses.

Ron Mark says Maori landowners have struggled to get bank financing in the past.

He told Waatea News that while that means they have not got into the financial difficulties some of their neighbours have struggled with, it has hampered their development.

Mr Mark says a road trip by the bank and Foma had revealed the extent of demand and the dissatisfaction with some of the competitors.

He says the Dutch-owned Rabobank has also shown an understanding of Maori business and the role it will play in any economic recovery.