Trade Advocacy – Te Taumata Trade Hui, 15 April
Join us for the upcoming Te Taumata hui, to be held at The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth on Monday, 15th April 2024. Our trade hui gathering promises a full day of insights, discussions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from across the motu.
The agenda is packed with engaging sessions, beginning with registrations at 7:30 am, followed by a pōwhiri to commence the agenda at 8:30 am. Te Taumata Chair, Hone McGregor, will kick off the discussions with opening comments focusing on the Māori approach to defining values and exploring the theme of the day – “Doubling the value of exports in 10 years”.
Deputy Secretary of Trade and Economic, Vangelis Vitalis, will provide insights into the overarching theme while keynote speaker Ganesh Nana, former Productivity Commission Chair, will delve into the practicalities of achieving this vision.
The day will also feature case studies highlighting Taranaki’s trade, export, and innovation landscape, as well as discussions on Māori business networks and the implications of trade agreements such as the EU FTA.
Opportunities for collaboration and growth will be explored, including sessions on renewable energy, intellectual property, and tech entrepreneurship led by wāhine Māori leaders. The hui will conclude with reflections from our future leaders, offering a glimpse into the aspirations of our rangatahi.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of conversations shaping the future of Māori trade and economic development. Register your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
International Trade – Wāhine Māori in Tech Knowledge Exchange
Te Taumata, supported by Callaghan Innovation, is blazing a trail for wāhine Māori in the tech sector. This initiative will see ten wāhine Māori leaders delve into trade prospects in Ireland, France, and the UK, culminating in participation at London Tech Week—an event renowned for its global significance in the tech industry.
With the UK’s tech industry valuation surpassing one trillion US dollars and the recent implementation of the UK-FTA and upcoming EU-FTA, these agreements now incorporate Māori Trade and Cooperation chapters, providing a solid foundation to propel Māori economic aspirations forward in these markets.
“We are dedicated to nurturing the growth of wāhine Māori in tech and fostering international connections,” asserts Naomi Manu, Trustee at Te Taumata. The initiative includes a six-month post-exchange support program to cultivate a trade-ready ecosystem of wāhine Māori in tech.
Participation in London Tech Week offers unparalleled opportunities to explore emerging technologies, engage with industry leaders, and assess market potentials. Francis Davy, Head of Māori and Government Engagement at Callaghan Innovation, emphasises the significance of supporting Māori businesses’ long-term growth aspirations.
Acknowledging the pressing need for diversity in the tech sector, Te Taumata and Callaghan Innovation aim not only to expand market access for Māori-led tech businesses but also to inspire young wāhine Māori to pursue careers in innovation and technology.
Teresa Te Pania-Ashton, Trustee at Te Taumata, underscores the deeper commitment to advancing Māori economic and wellbeing aspirations through this endeavour. This initiative is supported by key government organisations, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as iwi and Māori business networks, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration.
Applications from wāhine Māori in tech who wish to participate in this knowledge exchange are now open. Whether trading in the UK and European markets, expanding globally, or emerging as tech leaders, this initiative offers a rare chance to seize new opportunities. Apply by 5pm Friday, 26th April 2024, to be part of this transformative journey towards advancing Māori presence in the global tech arena: https://forms.office.com/r/qnMKAuHpQu
Indigenous Relationships
Te Taumata, Manatū Aorere’s Trade and Economic Group, prioritises fostering partnerships that underscore the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to facilitate meaningful connections and opportunities for Māori businesses and communities.
Established under a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019, the partnership between Te Taumata and MFAT’s Trade and Economic Group (Te Hurumanu, Ngā Toki Whakarururanga, Federation of Māori Authorities and National Iwi Chairs Forum) has provided a platform for focused discussions on trade initiatives and economic development strategies.
Functioning as a Māori trade advisory board, Te Taumata brings invaluable insights and perspectives to the table, ensuring that Māori interests are represented and considered in trade- related matters. Similarly, the partnership with Ngā Toki Whakaruruanga, formed under a Mediation Agreement in 2020, has opened avenues for collaboration in trade and economic engagement.
As the establishment group for the Wai 2522 claimants, Ngā Toki Whakaruruanga plays a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of its members in trade discussions and initiatives. Recently, they convened with Te Taumata to further these conversations around proactive approaches to engaging with Māori stakeholders and recognising the importance of their contributions to New Zealand’s trade landscape.
By working hand in hand with Te Taumata and Ngā Toki Whakaruruanga, MFAT aims to ensure that trade policies and initiatives align with Māori aspirations and priorities. Through ongoing dialogue and cooperation, these partnerships will continue to foster greater understanding, collaboration, and opportunities for Māori businesses and communities in the realm of trade and economic development.
Trade Agreement Implementation
Te Taumata has been at the forefront of advocating for the protection and advancement of Māori interests within trade agreements. With the upcoming implementation of the New Zealand- European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA), significant strides have been made in upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The inclusion of the “Māori Trade and Cooperation” chapter within the FTA marks a milestone in New Zealand-EU engagement by acknowledging the constitutional importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and incorporating essential concepts within Te Ao Māori that uphold tikanga Māori to promote holistic wellbeing.
Crucially, the FTA provides avenues for collaboration to enhance Māori enterprises’ access to trade and investment opportunities. Through strengthened links between EU and Māori businesses, particularly SMEs, and support for research and innovation, the agreement aims to empower Māori economic aspirations on a global scale.
The FTA emphasises sustainable development, with commitments to Indigenous knowledge and leadership in food systems, reflecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s values and priorities.
Te Taumata’s ongoing engagement with Māori representatives ensures that Māori interests are promoted and protected throughout the implementation process. Mechanisms for public consultation, including Māori representation in advisory groups, facilitate transparent and inclusive decision-making.
As we move forward, Te Taumata remains committed to advocating for Māori interests in trade policies and invites further engagement from all stakeholders to ensure a fair and prosperous future for Māori businesses and communities.
