Iwi from around the Bay of Plenty are meeting in Whakatane in December to discuss how geographic information systems can be used to meet their economic, cultural, environmental and social goals.

Participants will share and learn about how cartography, statistical analysis and database technology can enhance their various needs in more productive ways.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council technology and economic development group manager, Miles McConway, says this is a first for the region.

He sees great potential for iwi to be able to learn about what information is already available, how to access it, and better ways of using it.

Presenters will describe the data sets they have available and share ways iwi can use or develop that information for themselves.

Miles says a great deal of useful data was stored at councils and government agencies and this hui would explore ways that iwi can better access and use it to meet goals.

'GIS is a very powerful tool that some iwi are already using well, but others are still grappling with, so this hui will provide a platform for sharing case studies and learning from each other.”

The hui is to be held at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi on Tuesday, December 13 and people can register at www.boprc.govt.nz