Te Arawa's Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) has taken a major step forward in a plan to develop ancestral lands by appointing a resident scientist.
Gunar Magesan is well-known for his work in Maori and Hindu communities and has worked for two years with the Rotorua Lakes and Lands Trust.
The Trust's Vallance joint venture project with Federated Farmers focuses on biological farming systems to protect lake water quality.
Te Arawa's FOMA chairman Malcolm Short says it is the first time the organisation has created a resident scientist position.
He says Dr Magesan will be the in-house adviser on the Incubator programme to develop unproductive Te Arawa land.
Mr Short says with New Zealand and India expected to sign a free-trade agreement next year, the senior scientist could also open doors for Maori businesses through his network of contacts in India.
