Tamaki Makaurau trade hui

The talking is done, the negotiations are done, the European and United Kingdom Free Trade Agreements have been signed… Now the hard mahi really begins.

That was the message as Māori businesses, global ambassadors, government representatives and dozens of other organisations came together at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Marae in Tāmaki Makaurau for the seventh Te Taumata Regional Trade Hui.

This series of hui has been designed to break down barriers between Māori and officials, making discussions about international trade – one of the biggest drivers of employment for Māori – more accessible, relatable and relevant for whānau across the motu.

While the focus of previous hui has been on providing Māori input to those negotiating Aotearoa New Zealand’s free trade agreements (FTA), the finalisation of deals with the UK and EU has signalled a focus shift to implementation and ensuring these trade opportunities become a reality for Māori.

Te Taumata Chairman, Chris Karamea Insley, says the opportunity cost of not implementing FTAs is in the billions of dollars.

“A huge number of people have worked tirelessly to get these FTAs across the line – we held them accountable for getting the deals done, but now the responsibility is on [Māori] to leverage them to achieve maximum outcomes for whānau.

“We heard directly from the EU Ambassador to New Zealand, along with the Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, about how groundbreaking the NZ/EU FTA is.

“It is the first EU trade agreement that incorporates a specific indigenous chapter, and it puts us on a level playing field with our global competitors.

"The Māori economy continues to grow and is a valuable contribution to the national GDP. Opening gateways to new trade opportunities for Māori will only strengthen and solidify our economy."

_{(Left to right) $17b contributed by the Māori economy to NZ GDP. $23b of primary sector assets are owned by Māori. $68.7b is the value of the Māori asset base. 27% of NZ's fishing quota is owned by Māori. 57% of the Māori population is under 30. 68% of Māori are working age.}

_{(Left to right) $17b contributed by the Māori economy to NZ GDP. $23b of primary sector assets are owned by Māori. $68.7b is the value of the Māori asset base. 27% of NZ's fishing quota is owned by Māori. 57% of the Māori population is under 30. 68% of Māori are working age.}

But there is more to capitalising on these FTA than just exporting premium Māori goods – sustainable, long-term trade gains will rely on paving a path for the next generation of Māori trade leaders, embracing and prioritising research, innovation and technology, and working globally to combat climate change.

The following is a snapshot of some of the important kōrero and whakaaro shared at the hui - the first of this kind to be held on a marae - in relation to these key themes.

**Chris Karamea Insley |** Chairman, Te Taumata

**Chris Karamea Insley |** Chairman, Te Taumata

Why trade matters for Māori

Vangelis Vitalis - NZ's Lead Trade Negotiator

International trade is a vital sector for the Māori economy and presents both opportunities and challenges for indigenous businesses looking to expand internationally.

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 asset base is spread across a range of sectors with the primary sector (agriculture, forestry and fishing) making up $23b of the Māori asset base}

_{The asset base is spread across a range of sectors with the primary sector (agriculture, forestry and fishing) making up $23b of the Māori asset base}

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

“With Te Taumata, we will help to shape the opportunities for Māori and ensure we are consistently delivering positive outcomes back to Māori communities.”

Aotearoa New Zealand is reaching a level where the majority of the country's trade is now done under FTAs. However, two key markets are missing - the US and India.

As work is done to fill those gaps, equal attention must be paid to implementing and getting the most out of new and existing FTAs.

**Vangelis Vitalis** | NZ Lead Trade Negotiator

**Vangelis Vitalis** | NZ Lead Trade Negotiator

Nina Obermaier - EU Ambassador to NZ

The NZ/EU FTA will be a critical enabler to advancing Māori engagement in trade and initiatives in the years to come.

The groundbreaking inclusion of Māori interests in the agreement was the result of the persistence of New Zealand negotiators and Māori trade advocate, Te Taumata.

The European Union had not, up until this point, included indigenous chapters in its trade agreements, reinforcing the commitment to make this deal beneficial for both sides.

The NZ/EU FTA will not only help Māori businesses to develop links with likeminded partners, but also create pathways to accessing invaluable research, science and technology being developed in Europe.

When harnessed fully, these benefits will help to grow the international reach of Māori export businesses, in turn, growing the Māori economy.

_{The Māori economy has huge potential to contribute to NZ's future prosperity. The value added totalled $17b, compared to $263b for all of New Zealand.}

_{The Māori economy has huge potential to contribute to NZ's future prosperity. The value added totalled $17b, compared to $263b for all of New Zealand.}

"I cannot stress enough the significance of the Indigenous Chapter and the doors it will open, particularly for Māori.

"There are opportunities for Māori that can be found throughout the agreement and reaching this point is something we should all be proud of.

"The trade and Sustainable Development Chapter is the most progressive we have ever negotiated, as well as gender equality measures, many of which specifically mention wāhine Māori.

"From here, co-operation is key to applying many of these measures practically. Our commitment to making this FTA a reality on the ground is ongoing."

**Nina Obermaier** | NZ Ambassador to NZ

**Nina Obermaier** | NZ Ambassador to NZ

Creativity and Innovation

“It is our creativity and innovation that sets us apart. The future is right in front of us – together we can make it happen.”
^_- ^{_{Joe Harawira, Wai Manuka Managing Director}}

“The world wants to embrace Māori brands and work with Māori businesses – coming out of the pandemic, global consumers want to connect with brands that reflect their values,” Joe Harawira, Managing Director of Wai Manuka, says.

Joe recently returned from an Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono trade delegation to Singapore and Thailand – an experience that enabled him to gain invaluable offshore consumer insights, first-hand.

“That’s what makes Māori products special – when you weave your culture into your brand – that’s our point of difference.

“It is our creativity and innovation that sets us apart, but it can be difficult to look to the far horizon when you’re just trying to survive each day. The future is right in front of us – together we can make it happen.”

But critical to retaining and growing the innovation competitive edge will be ensuring future talent and capability.

"We need to find a way to work with rangatahi to build capability for jobs that don't yet exist"
^{_{- Naomi Manu, Pūhoro STEM Academy Director}}

Recently appointed Te Taumata director and self-described serial innovator, Naomi Manu, says the future success of the rapidly growing Māori economy depends on building capability.

“If we cannot attract young people into STEM, we will be bereft of innovation and talent, and there will be a massive opportunity cost for our country. As we seek to catapult forward, we have to consider these things.

“The Māori population is a structurally youthful population – we have to cultivate curious minds and grow Māori representation in the tech workforce, currently only 4 per cent of that workforce, and only 2 per cent of the science sector is made up of Māori.

“Tech is our fastest growing export sector, but we need to rapidly build capability for this future that we cannot yet even imagine.”

Māori representation in science and technology will be strengthened with the new MOU agreement between Callaghan Innovation (CI) and Te Taumata, CI's Chief Māori and Government Engagement Officer, Henare Johnson, says.

Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s technology and innovation agency and its purpose is to activate innovation to help businesses grow faster and increase their own impact on people and communities. To achieve this, Callaghan have identified that partnerships with Māori are a critical factor.

"Technology and innovation is a critical enabler of Māori global trade aspirations, and by working with Callaghan Innovation, we can grow the next generation of Māori leaders in innovation, sciences, technology, and research and development.

"As an authentic voice for Māori on trade between Aotearoa and the rest of the world, we believe Te Taumata and Callaghan can work together to achieve stronger Māori representation in the science and technology industries."

The partnership aim to:

Identify opportunities to support the growth of Māori research, science and technology (RS&T)
Grow rangatahi Māori engagement in RS&T
Advance RS&T for Māori business exporters
Promote participation of Māori in RS&T in a way that respects and upholds tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Scan the QR code below to read the full report.

Supporting Māori on the world stage

Clare Kelly - WTO New Zealand Ambassador

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a crucial institution that can provide Māori with a platform to kōrero with likeminded countries on key issues affecting New Zealand trade.

Te Taumata directors Hone McGregor and Carrie Stoddart-Smith attended the WTO hui in Geneva last year, promoting the work Te Taumata has done to engage Māori business leaders and exporters across the country, and advocating their interests in trade negotiations worldwide.

Additionally, fellow Te Taumata director, Tania Te Whenua, was recently appointed to the panel of WTO advisors, further highlighting New Zealand's growing influence within the WTO. Tania's position will help ensure New Zealand's interests and perspectives are considered in global trade decisions.

Such interactions have garnered support from high-ranking WTO officials, like Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, demonstrating the importance of New Zealand's contributions to trade globally, and in addressing global trade issues.

Collaborating with partners like Australia and the United States, New Zealand has advocated for rules that limit excessive subsidies in the agriculture sector, safeguarding its ability to compete fairly in global markets.

New Zealand trade representatives have also played an active role in the negotiation of disciplines in sectors like health and business facilitation.

"These discussions offer an opportunity for New Zealand to protect its specific interests and contribute to sustainable trade practices. By engaging with various representatives and sharing perspectives, New Zealand ensures its voice is heard on the global stage.

"Looking ahead, New Zealand is eager to continue its active participation in the trade public forum. By actively participating in global discussions, New Zealand ensures its voice is heard on pressing issues, fostering fair and sustainable trade practices.

"As a small nation with a significant presence, New Zealand proves that it can make a difference in shaping the global trade landscape."

Clare Kelly | WTO Ambassador for NZ

Clare Kelly | WTO Ambassador for NZ

How climate change is a trade challenge

Capability is not the only challenge on the table, with the impacts of climate change already a clear and present reality.

Charlotte Frater is MFAT’s Chief Negotiator for the Agreement on Climate Change Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) – an effort that is roundly supported by Te Taumata.

“ACCTS is currently being negotiated with a small number of like-minded countries and it will be a unique trade agreement in that it’s not about physical trade as such, but rather a focus on showing how trade policy and architecture can contribute positively to climate change and sustainability challenges.

^{The Global Adaption Country Index summarises a country's economic, governance and social readiness and its exposure, sensitivity and capacity to adapt to the negative effects of climate change.}

^{The Global Adaption Country Index summarises a country's economic, governance and social readiness and its exposure, sensitivity and capacity to adapt to the negative effects of climate change.}

“Solving these challenges will require global economic transformation. It is an urgent task and it will need every policy lever. This agreement won’t be the silver bullet – but it will be a huge help in terms of levelling the playing field for renewable alternatives.”

Once the agreement is concluded – hopefully by the end of 2023 – it will be a living agreement that will be open to other entrants over time.