May 2015: The group headed to California, Nevada, Arizona and Washington state in April to both share innovative and transformative practices and tools being used in Aotearoa and to learn about what is happening within indigenous communities in the US.The trip was supported by Callaghan Innovation – New Zealand’s business innovation agency.As a result relationships were built with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Services, the City of Los Angeles and a number of community leaders.In addition the delegation received a briefing with Microsoft executives in Redmond, Washington and made a presentation at the Self-Governance Tribal Annual Consultation Conference in Reno, Nevada.The Delegation also attended and supported two local ANZAC activities with local New Zealanders in Seattle to commemorate the 100 year anniversary.Also part of the delegation were Waipareira CEO, Hon John Tamihere,Te Pou Matakana Chair, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O’Sullivan as well as Lady Tureiti Moxon in a 20 strong Māori Health and Social Services delegation to the US.The purpose of the trip was to:
- Identify and advance commercial opportunities for Māori businesses
- Develop technologies that Māori health and social service providers can use in their health Centres
- Learn about latest developments in health IT
- Develop international relationships with indigenous peoples
- Set the stage for joint work with Callaghan Innovation and IT and medical businesses.
