Callaghan Innovation has appointed a M?ori Economy general manager,  Hemi Rolleston.

Rolleston, who was chief executive at Te Awanui Hukapak (a horticultural collective) will be tasked with leading Callaghan Innovation’s efforts to address the needs of M?ori business to grow and be competitive in the global market.

That includes developing a M?ori investment/innovation strategy and a framework for engaging M?ori with programmes and services such as training and development for M?ori business leaders.

He will also work closely with M?ori business strategy leaders in NZTE, Te Puni K?kiri and MBIE. 

Callaghan Innovation chief executive Mary Quin says: “We are fortunate to have someone of Hemi’s calibre join us on our mission to accelerate commercialisation of innovation by firms in New Zealand. The M?ori economy is a vital part of that equation and we look forward to Hemi leading the way in address the needs of M?ori business to grow and compete on the international stage”.