NEM to work with Mana Labs to unlock blockchain potential for the Maori and Pasifika community in New Zealand

NEM have announced a collaboration to work with Mana Labs, a community social enterprise with the aim to improve the quality of life of local communities in New Zealand. Mana Labs was developed with the plan to effect more change and impact across a broader spectrum of communities and enabling a more strategic reach through its mission on ‘fusing next generation advancements with matauranga Maori’. Mana Labs have been looking into a number of areas of growth including blockchain technology.

Partnered with industry and a cross section of the community, Mana Labs has built a critical mass of skilled resource collaborating for a greater good. In addition to a special interest in education and scientific research, Mana Labs partners with a wide variety of organisations that serve the health, well-being, personal development, and employment prospects of community members.

The partnership between NEM and Mana Labs will revolve around:

Developing regular engagements between blockchain experts to engage with the Maori entrepreneurs and communities Provide access to channels for the Mana Labs network to engage with NEM’s $100 million Community Fund for projects who would like to utilise the NEM platform Access to resources and training to skill up and equip developers in understanding blockchain technology

These engagements will be championed by Dalaney Davis, NEM New Zealand’s leader in growing the NEM ecosystem.

This comes after the launch of the NEM Blockchain Hub in New Zealand which will serve as a location where a dedicated NEM representatives will be present to engage with the public and community members to understand the basics blockchain and cryptocurrency as well as support startups who are interested in adopting blockchain for their business. This will be through regular activities, workshops, hackathons and forums held throughout the year.

Mahi Paurini, Director for Mana Labs.

“The potential opportunity to get the jump on the mainstream by leveraging key relationships and training for our communities is unreal. We get to develop use cases with cutting edge tech solutions that can make a difference locally and be applied globally. This will also encourage enterprise development and engagement in ICT where Maori and Pasifika representation is low. We will lead initiatives with our unique world view which is a diversity play in a world where this is increasingly a major point of difference.”

The NEM and Mana Labs Team in Wellington

“We will be working closely with Mana Labs to ensure that this collaboration will lead to showcase to New Zealand’s commitment to stand out in the area of technology alongside its commitment to social impact and supporting communities.” said Dalaney Davis, NEM New Zealand lead.