ENABLING MĀORI IN GLOBAL TRADE

Investing in research and development, protecting Māori intellectual property, nurturing rangatahi and authentically embedding Māori culture in premium export goods are key to realising the full potential of Māori in global trade.

These fundamental elements were identified and discussed at length during the Global Māori Trade Strategy hui which was hosted by Foreign Affairs Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, bringing together hundreds of Māori business leaders, rangatahi, diplomats and government ministers at Parliament to discuss how Aotearoa New Zealand can continue to progress Māori trade opportunities.

To date, it is the largest trade hui facilitated by Te Taumata and has been the culmination of two years of work by the organisation, giving power back to Māori in international trade.

Chairman, Chris Karamea Insley, says reclaiming the Māori voice in trade has been a key outcome for Te Taumata since its inception in 2019.

“Nobody can speak for Māori, except Māori. We have given a voice back to our people and have made sure we’re present, heard and represented in global trade.

“Te Taumata has worked tirelessly to embed Māori values and interests in every international trade deal negotiated in the past two years.

“We’re now at the stage where we need to start implementing these deals so our people can reap the rewards.”

You can read more about the mahi of Te Taumata in its biennial review, which was officially launched at the hui.

In recognition of the progress Te Taumata has made on behalf of Māori in the past two years, a unanimous resolution was moved at the hui in support of Te Taumata continuing its work in its current form.

"This further reinforces the important role Te Taumata plays in transforming the lives of our whānau through trade."

The following is a snapshot of some of the important kōrero and whakaaro shared at this monumental hui.

“We take the lead, we own the kaupapa, our treasures, our taonga which is our Tikanga, our reo is really at the centre of Māori trade and only we can tell that story, not someone else."

- Chris Karamea Insley

Ministers acknowledge key role Māori play in trade

Māori trade is something the world needs and optimises the point of difference Aotearoa has on the world stage, Minister Mahuta says.

“The $70 billion Māori economy has contributed significantly to our communities and has the potential to grow internationally.

“Together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and organisations like Te Taumata, we’re working proactively with Māori to achieve important outcomes.

“Global instability affects all of us at home - global problems require global solutions, and no country can solve these alone.

“Hui such as these are so important to frame our achievements and contribute creative solutions through a te ao Māori lens.”

Minister for Trade, Damien O’Connor agrees, saying the Te Taumata trade hui present an important opportunity to not only share what the Government is doing globally, but hear directly from Māori about their trade expectations and aspirations.

He says recently signed free trade agreements are helping to build exporters’ resilience and seize new opportunities in trade and investment. However, implementation is key.

“We need to make sure our exporters know about and understand these free trade agreements we’re negotiating to ensure they reap the full benefits and are able to diversify to protect against future challenges.

“The global landscape is challenging but we, as a nation, are in a position of strength. The free trade agreements between Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK and EU prove we can adapt and act quickly for the benefit of all Kiwis.

One of the most enduring champions for Māori interests in trade, Under-Secretary for Māori Development, Rino Tirikatene, is leading the charge for a series of Māori-led trade missions across the world.

He says this programme of missions will be critical in helping Aotearoa New Zealand drive home recently signed free trade agreements with the UK and EU, as well as cement relationships with other key trading partners such as Japan, Singapore, the US and Australia.

“It is up to us collectively to build those relationships and grow our businesses.

“In business, everything we do has to be driven by profit. We shouldn’t be ashamed of wanting to do business and sell to the world. We want to be in the game and have to be making money in the process.

“There has been Māori participation in the prime ministerial-led trade missions post-COVID, however, it’s time we really push for Māori-led missions that allow us to make connections with our international partners in the Māori way.

“Culture, commerce, connection, and commemoration will be the cornerstones of these missions, starting with the UK. We’re aiming to set off early next year, following the ratification of the NZ/UK Free Trade Agreement.”

With a previous role with the Māori fisheries commission, Te Ohu Kaimona, former minister Shane Jones helped put together a trade mission for iwi in the early 1990s and says it's important to boost the trade narrative.

“We have an abundance of high-value products and services and we shouldn’t take trade for granted. We need to select ‘grassroots' whānau to attend Māori-led trade missions to open new and exciting opportunities for those who wouldn’t usually be involved.”

He says there’s a new generation of Māori asset managers and governors who need to not only understand trade but find ways to ensure the rewards go to improving the lives of the descendants of the owners.

“I strongly encourage you to put money into nurturing relationships and investing in our rangatahi – we’re exposed on all levels (aquaculture, horticulture, forestry), its important to make trade mainstream among Māori, because without strong relationships, there is no platform for our goods.

“We should be cultivating a safe place for Māori to educate and explore trade interests and opportunities with the support of their iwi.”

Photo by Koon Chakhatrakan on Unsplash

Why trade and international relationships matter for Māori

Trade remains a vital sector for the Māori economy and presents both opportunities and challenges for indigenous businesses looking to expand internationally, New Zealand’s Lead Trade Negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis, says.

Māori exporters earn 12 per cent more, employ more people and have a higher level of productivity than those involved solely in the domestic market.

“While one in four New Zealanders depend on trade, it’s even higher for Māori, with one in three depending on trade, highlighting the significance of global trade for Māori.

“However, there are barriers Māori face internationally that are higher than any other economy. These include issues around data sovereignty and reflecting that in trade agreements, and high tariffs on key Māori products like honey and seafood.

“The purpose of free trade agreements is to level the playing field for all and gain the advantages of global trade for Māori.

“What we’ve achieved with the UK and EU demonstrate in a practical way what Te Taumata has done to advance Māori interests in trade.

“War, plague and climate change are all making for a more challenging trade environment, but together with Te Taumata, will navigate the stormy waters ahead of us, shaping the opportunities out there and ensuring we deliver positive outcomes back to Māori people.”

European Union Ambassador to New Zealand, Nina Obermaier, echoed the importance of trade, outlining the many benefits to Māori negotiated through the NZ/EU Free Trade Agreement.

She says it has been through the advocacy and leadership of Te Taumata, that Māori have been able to have their voice heard in trade negotiations and secure an agreement that respects Māori values, culture and interests.

Watch her full address below.

"The Māori Trade and Economic Co-operation chapter is a first for the EU and it was driven by you [Māori]. We listened when you told us of the significance of a chapter relating to Māori interests ... as Treaty partners and a burgeoning part of the New Zealand economy."

- Nina Obermaier, EU Ambassador to New Zealand

Finance as an enabler of Māori global trade

Māori are a critical part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future economic prosperity.

However, in order to fully capitalise on Māori economic aspirations, our nation’s financial system must address the challenges of Māori access to capital.

Governor of the Reserve Bank, Adrian Orr, says access to capital remains a barrier to significant economic success for Māori communities.

“We want to ensure we have a financial system that is both efficient and inclusive; we want a financial system for all of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Māori are truly leading the way in the broader linkage of cultural inclusion, social cohesion, sustainability, and economic prosperity.

“We all have a role to play to break down barriers, unleashing the economic potential of Māori.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand released its discussion document, Access to Capital for Māori, earlier this year, which identifies the challenges and opportunities for Māori in the financial system.

Adrian says the report will be instrumental in aiding the shift from identification of the financial challenges to a solution-based response.

The resounding response from Māori business leaders at the hui was that now was the time to establish a Māori-owned bank, putting Māori back in charge of their own destiny.

This is a concept that has been discussed for 30 years and relies on building a model that understands how our people think and work. This is a viable proposition for Māori as we have the people with the skills and knowledge to pursue it.

Access to capital remains a fundamental component to Māori playing in the global trade space.

Photo by micheile dot com on Unsplash

Investing in science and technology in a Māori way

Indigenous innovation through science and technology is part of who we are as Māori and is the key to solving the environmental, economic, and social challenges we face across the world, Sir Ian Taylor says.

“Global trade is nothing new to Māori. The voyaging and trading that began with our tipuna are the footsteps we follow today.

“As we start to talk about science and technology from a Māori perspective, we have to start talking about mātauranga, because science is mātauranga.

“Humans are totally dependent on the natural world but are currently damaging it so profoundly that many systems are now on the verge of breakdown.”

However, Sir Ian says this is an opportunity for indigenous people and our mātauranga.

“This is our chance to connect back with Papatuanuku – Papatuanuku has given us the answers.

“Indigenous people adapt new technology to become more like themselves.”

Sir Ian highlighted some of the innovative Māori businesses currently making ground-breaking advancements in science and technology, that have applications that will not only benefit whānau but the whole world.

These businesses include Agrisea, which is creating products from seaweed to replace plastics, Bioforestry NZ which turns biomass residual to environmentally sustainable timber products, and Robotics Plus, which has created autonomous vehicles that use AI to talk and listen to Papatuanuku in horticulture and agriculture.

“We, as Māori, are creative, visionary, and inspiring. We are the example for others to follow and are always at the forefront, having fun along the way,” Sir Ian says.

“We know our strength is working together, connecting positively with our peers and partners, and working in a deliberate and proactive way that lifts the mana of those around us.

“We do the right things for the right reasons and act with integrity to create a better future for all.”

Culture as an enabler of Māori Global Trade

“Māori are not just entertainers; a ‘clip-on’ offering for trade missions. It's our culture that enhances New Zealand's place on the global stage – we understand our people, our culture and our place."

Those were the words of Te Taumata Director Te Taru White, highlighting the importance of interweaving Māori culture and trade.

“Our trade history shows we can reaffirm relationships, respect the territory and protocols, and build strategic alliances that are critical to maintaining intergenerational resilience and survival.”

He says relationships, cultural respect, understanding and reciprocity are key to resilient and sustainable trade.

“It’s about whakapapa, whanaugatanga and manaakitanga – building a foundational principle and portal to successful trade.”

Mātauranga Māori and taonga play an important role in the sharing of knowledge and understanding of the uniqueness of Aotearoa New Zealand to international audiences.

“We need a doorway to trade prosperity, letting our taonga be the ambassadors, not just decorations.”

Involved in a number of overseas tours and trade missions, Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Culture Club reinforced that “culture is a facilitator for people to take interest in Aotearoa and what we have to offer”.

“Through experience, we’ve realised the need to copyright and patent our intellectual property through legal avenues in order to protect our heritage.”

The group prides itself on supporting its people, opening doors when others have been closed – not only focusing solely on international relationships but also looking after the people here.

Where to next

Te Taumata has now facilitated six important trade hui, reaching whānau at all levels who have an interest in trade and its potential to elevate the Māori economy to new heights.

The Global Māori Trade Strategy hui on Parliament grounds has set a new standard for Māori/Crown engagement and Te Taumata is committed to returning to Parliament every year to keep Māori interests at the forefront of the Government's trade agenda.

It is clear the work of Te Taumata is not done. It will continue to use its position as the premiere, authentic voice for Māori on trade to deliver better trade outcomes for Māori and a more prosperous future for whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand.