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High Commissioner Tulelo was invited to attend Te Tai Tokerau Taumata Regional Hui (Conference) in Kerikeri, New Zealand held on 1 May 2021.

Te Tai Tokerau Taumata Regional Hui of Trade brought together key trade negotiators and policy makers from New Zealand, ministers amongst others Foreign Minister Mahuta, foreign diplomats and Māori businesses. It brought together an outstanding calibre of speakers discussing the importance of trade for Māori businesses.

The Hui was preceded by the High Commission’s Business Reception held on Friday 30 April 2021 in Kerikeri.

The High Commission’s Business Reception brought together:

•             Key trade negotiators and policy makers from New Zealand; •             Senior MFAT officials;
•             Māori businesses;
•             Iwi (tribal) leaders;
•             Representative from Te Taumata Board;
•             Representative from Te Arawa Fisheries;
•             Representative from Cognitus Economic Insight; and
•             Peter Rice  from NZ/UK FTA & Maori

Interests & Analysis It brought together an outstanding calibre of speakers discussing the importance of trade for Māori businesses like:

1. Matua Dover Samuels who  is one of the Iwi elders and was Minister of Maori Affairs in the Helen Clark Cabinet  from 1996-1999.

2.            Pita Tipene  Chair of the  Waitangi National Trust Board

3.            Shane Jones  former Minister for Infrastructure and Iwi leader

4.            Honi ( Johnny) McGregor  , director of Wakatu Incorporation.

During her remarks at the reception the High Commissioner indicated that  African is ready for Maori investments. She indicated that what Moari have achieved in NZ is of particular significance for the previously disadvantaged majority in South Africa and the ground is fertile for joint ventures and investment She further noted that areas of agriculture and agro-processing , forestry and fisheries , aqua- culture and tourism are the perfect space for future collaborations amongst the Maori and previously disadvantaged in South African . She indicated that the shared value systems and cultural values make it easier for business to be strengthened between the two groups. She ended her korero( speech) by inviting the guest to board the waka ( board) on its way to destination South Africa as an ideal and preferred destination for investment. 

During the Te Tai Tokerau Taumata Regional Hui (Conference) on 1 May, presentations were received from the following key people:

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta: International Trade and Indigenous people

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta gave presentation on International Trade and Indigenous People. Minister explained that they are currently looking into how the conversation about Maori economy could be included in trade dialogues. She noted Maori economy continues to grow and a third of the work is based on primary industries.

Maori have taken keen interest in the digital tech and this shows growth in business and grows economic development of families. Government has decided to reserve 5% of government procurement for Maori and Pacifica.

They want to ensure that Maori values are added to economic growth which will have positive impacts on NZ Economy.

This will be done by

• Linking Māori enterprises to the innovation system;
• Supporting Māori enterprises in accessing export markets; and
• Ensuring Māori cultural distinctiveness is a key part of New Zealand’s brand ‘story’.

Principles of partnership in Teriti must become integral part of how NZ does trade. Minister noted that APEC 2021 and World Expo Dubai will provide opportunities for New Zealand to showcase it’s unique and diverse ways of doing business

APEC must provide opportunity to showcase lessons on collaboration learned during COVID. They are working towards launching of APEC Indigenous people’s trade agreements which is critical for New Zealand.

High Commissioner Tulelo

High Commissioner took the opportunity to thank the organisers of the Hui for presenting South Africa with an opportunity to show case available opportunities to invest in South African. She shared with the conference that in the words of President Mandela she wished to speak to the heart of the participants and proceeded to introduce herself in Te Reo Maori. The High Commissioner shared with the conference that South Africa is a perfect hub to house heads quarters of companies looking to expand into Africa. She indicated that Africa is fast becoming next best destination for investment with a significant part of its population 25 and younger. This present a perfect opportunity for sustainable sourced and fair trade products becoming popular. With Maori businesses leading the charge in respecting the land and ocean they source their products from, the opportunity for collaboration and business is very high. She further shared that Africa is on the rise as it holds its on accountable through multiple platforms aimed at promoting good governance, peace and security, upholding the rule of law and other related aspects. She shared with the meeting that the African Continental Free Trade Area ratified by 22 of the 55 African states provides a massive opportunity for expansion of businesses for Maori. She noted that since Maori are negotiating for all NZ trade agreements to have a clear Maori voice and reflect their value system, now is a perfect opportunity for them to look towards Africa.

The HC recognised the long history between South Africa and NZ and the contribution of Maoridom to the transformation of South African. She indicated that now is the time for the relationship to yield financial fruits to both previously disadvantaged people .
 
 
 
HE Ms VG Tulelo
Head of Mission
 
 
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