This is the second in a series of pānui looking at the NZ/UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the benefits it presents for Māori.

Aotearoa’s trade relationship with the UK is long-standing and substantial. The UK is our seventh-largest trading partner, with two-way trade of more than $6 billion (pre-COVID) in the year to March 2020.

This morning we learn of the sad passing of our friend, whanaunga and rangatira, Sir Harawira Gardiner.

Te Taumata has made it clear to Government that we are ready to support the full and rapid implementation of the NZ/UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which presents exciting opportunities for all Māori.

Me aro tonu – we need your help! Always at the forefront supporting Aotearoa’s critical trade frameworks, Te Taumata is asking stakeholders to share their views so we can submit feedback about the Trade for All policy.

Te Taumata has an agreed work plan with the New Zealand Government to ensure Māori have a strong voice in every international trade agreement negotiated in 2022.

Under the shadow of war across Europe, we are reminded of our soldiers of the 28th Māori Battalion who fought on the same battlefields in World War II as we witness today the signing of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, Te Taumata Chairman Chris Karamea Insley says.

Te Taumata has created a survey to gather feedback on the government’s current Research, Science and Innovation (RSI) system and what improvements are needed to make it adaptable for a rapidly changing future.

2022 is tipped to be a monumental year for international trade and Te Taumata is securely positioned to be the Māori voice in negotiations, ensuring Māori are not only considered in these relationships, but actively involved.

Te Taumata board member Carrie Stoddart-Smith (Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua) has highlighted the benefits of engaging Indigenous peoples in international trade in an inspiring opinion piece published on Trade Works – New Zealand’s International Business Forum.

Te Taumata encourages rangatahi who are looking at tertiary education options to inquire about the scholarship and internship opportunities available to them.

Te Taumata has initiated talks with Minister of Climate Change James Shaw after making a detailed submission on options to meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s new emission reduction targets.