Former President Barack Obama shared an intimate brunch with 20 Maori women where he told them the work that Maori are doing is the model he wants take back to America.
The meeting was set up by Nancy Gilbert, the wife of former US Ambassador Mark Gilbert as part of his Obama Foundation initiative, focusing on leadership and youth.
Chair Te Arataura Waikato Tainui, Rukumoana Schaafhausen says, "it was an honour to spend time with former President Barack Obama".
"He is a reminder that we all have the potential to impact this world in a positive way."
Obama talked to the Maori women about the observations he made in his short time in New Zealand.
One of those was the Wahine Toa Network, which represents senior Maori women leaders across different industry sectors including iwi governance, education, film, agri-tourism, law and business, which the former US president wants to model within the Obama Foundation.
These women are connected to issues at a grassroots level, utilising their networks to create positive change for their communities.
One of the missions Barack and Michelle Obama have for The Obama Foundation is to lift up the voice of women.
He explained how one of the key indicators of a successful nation is where women are strong, educated, respected and able to rise up to leadership positions.
"You have a lot we can teach," former President Obama told the Wahine Toa network.
By Eden More
SHARE ME