Te Taumata’s Online Regional Series opens with Session 1, providing an in-depth and timely overview of global geopolitical developments and their direct implications for trade and the New Zealand economy.

This session, presented by Kelly Eckhold, examines the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and the disruption to global energy markets, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It outlines how these events are impacting global oil supply chains, refinery activity across Asia, and fuel availability—driving sharp increases in oil prices and refining margins.

The presentation highlights the likely flow-on effects for Aotearoa New Zealand, including increased fuel costs (with petrol prices projected to reach approximately $3.30–$3.40 per litre), pressure on supply chains, and risks to fuel inventories. It also explores broader economic consequences, including downgraded GDP growth forecasts, declining consumer and business confidence, reduced visitor arrivals, and a slowdown in the housing market.

This session is designed to help stakeholders understand the interconnected nature of geopolitics and trade, and to provide clarity on how global instability may shape the operating environment for Māori businesses, exporters, and communities.

Key discussion areas include:

• Global geopolitical developments and trade disruption
• Closure of key energy supply routes and impacts on oil markets
• Fuel price increases and implications for New Zealand households and businesses
• Revised economic forecasts and sector-level impacts
• Risks to trade, tourism, and supply chains
• What this means for Māori exporters and the wider Māori economy

Session slides
Access the full presentation HERE

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Te Taumata proudly congratulates our next generation, recently-appointed Trustee Ernestynne Walsh, who received the Corporate Change award at the annual Te Hapori Matihiko awards, celebrating excellence in the Māori digital and tech community. The award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to progressing kaupapa Māori in corporate environments, including promoting cultural values, influencing workplace inclusivity, and creating pathways for Māori in technology sectors. Ernestynne’s work continues to inspire rangatahi and exemplifies leadership in corporate transformation. She will also be presenting at this year’s WTO Open Forum in Geneva on Indigenous digital trade issues and AI.

New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) Conference – 16–17 June 2025

Chair Hone McGregor represented Te Taumata at the NZIIA (https://www.nziia.org.nz/) 2025 Conference, held at the British High Commission and hosted by H.E. Iona Thomas. Themed Prosperity | Security | Values – Aotearoa New Zealand’s foreign and trade policies in contested spaces. The conference brought together leaders from across government, academia, and business. Te Taumata strongly supports this kaupapa, adding a Māori exporters’ voice, along with Jacqui Caine (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu) who provided insights on Māori leadership in resetting foreign policy. NZIIA event also provided the launch of the Perceptions of Asia 2025 survey by the Asia NZ Foundation (https://www.asianz.org.nz/perceptions-of-asia-2025), which provides key insights into public views on Asia and its impact on trade and diplomacy. Hone is Deputy Chair of AsiaNZ and next generation recently appointed Te Taumata Trustee, Ethan Jones, is also AsiaNZ Foundation Kaiwhakahaere, Hōtaki Pakihi, Manager, Business Programme.

Vietnam–New Zealand 50th Anniversary – 17 June 2025

Vietnam is an increasingly important export partner for Aotearoa and also Māori exporters. Te Taumata joined the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand. The event highlighted the depth of trade relationships, particularly in food and beverage, with Wakatū’s Kono operating in Vietnam alongside other Māori enterprises. The occasion reaffirmed the value of strengthening Māori-led trade connections in Southeast Asia and the potential for further business development in the region. Executive Director of ExportNZ and Manufacturing NZ, Josh Tan, [pictured] is keen to support Māori exporters – ExportNZ (https://exportnz.org.nz/) provides targeted advocacy, practical support programmes, and networking opportunities to help exporters succeed globally. Their offerings include up-to-date market information, training on navigating free-trade agreements, and resources such as exporter stories, newsletters, and report so please contact us if you would like more details on ExportNZ’s activities and we can ensure Māori exporters are connected.

Pacific Fisheries Ministers Delegation – 28 June 2025

Fisheries is part of the backbone of the Māori economy, something essential to our current, ancient and future Māori identity, as well as our economy. In Te Tauihu, Te Taumata hosted a delegation of Pacific Fisheries Ministers as part of a MFAT Pacific Division programme. Visits to Wakatū and Kono (https://www.kono.co.nz/), Sealord (https://www.sealord.com/), Moana New Zealand (https://moana.co.nz/), Plant & Food Research (https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/), and the Cawthron Institute (https://www.cawthron.org.nz/) provided a comprehensive view of the New Zealand fisheries value chain. The hui showcased how Māori businesses integrate kaitiakitanga and innovation into sustainable fisheries management, offering valuable lessons for Pacific partners.

New Caledonia Indigenous Business Delegation – 30 June 2025

A diverse indigenous business delegation from New Caledonia visited Aotearoa, supported by the French Government (https://www.facebook.com/france.nz/) and MFAT. The group included wāhine entrepreneurs and leaders from tourism, horticulture, agriculture, seafood, digital innovation, and indigenous arts. The French Ambassador delivered a speech outlining the Māori–French Roadmap, with Hone McGregor responding on behalf of Te Taumata, emphasising opportunities for indigenous-to-indigenous trade, collaborative innovation, and cultural exchange.

ASEAN–NZ & Asia Forum Anniversaries – 3 July 2025

Government House hosted a celebration for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–NZ relations and the 30th anniversary of the Asia Forum (https://www.asiaforum.org.nz/). Te Taumata representatives joined key trade and diplomatic figures, including kapa haka performances that brought a strong cultural dimension to the event. Discussions explored deepening Māori engagement in ASEAN markets and enhancing regional trade resilience. The ASEAN region is a significant and growing trade region for Māori exporters, so engagement in this region and agreements supporting our trade and economic cooperation with the region are fundamental and developing strongly. [Pictured: Paul Eagle (Chatham Islands CEO), Hone, and Suz Jessep (AsiaNZ Foundation CEO)]

French National Day & 80 Years of France–NZ Relations – 11 July 2025

At Parliament, Te Taumata was acknowledged at celebrations marking France’s National Day and 80 years of diplomatic relations with New Zealand. Hosted by H.E. Laurence Beau, Ambassador of France, the event reinforced the importance of the Māori–French partnership, particularly in progressing the EU–NZ FTA Māori economic cooperation chapter. https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-relations/ipr-news-and-events/french-senate-delegation-visits-new-zealand-parliament/

Māori–India Trade Dialogue – 15 July 2025

Hone McGregor, Wayne Mulligan (Fomana Capital) and Jamie Tuuta (Sealord Chairman), met with Bharat Joshi (Indian business leader) to discuss the growing Māori economy and potential partnerships between Māori and Indian communities. With 34% of Māori under the age of 15, both parties recognised the potential for future-focused, values-aligned collaborations, linking Māori values such as whakapapa and kaitiakitanga with Indian principles of ahimsa and interconnectedness. Bharat is a long-time friend of Aotearoa and author of Navigating India: https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/experts/bharat-joshi a very useful insight to India and trade. This engagement is a prelude to the potential India-NZ Free Trade Agreement, currently in negotiation.

Engagement with French Senators – 16 July 2025

As part of a French Senate visit to Aotearoa, Hone McGregor met with French Senators Philippe Folliot and Sébastien Pla, alongside the French Ambassador, to discuss operationalising the Māori economic cooperation chapter in the EU–NZ FTA. It was an opportunity to acknowledge France as the first European Union country to develop and confirm a road-map to implement this chapter, opening opportunities in Māori wine and food exports, innovation missions, geographical indicators, cultural tourism, green energy, and blue economy collaborations. Hone shows the medal presentation from the French Senate for our Te Taumata collaboration.

European Parliamentary Delegation – 25 July 2025

Te Taumata, Mānuka Charitable Trust – Victor Goldsmith, and the Ministry for Primary Industries, Principal Advisor in Trade and International Relations in New Zealand for MPI – Keri Iti, met with a European Parliamentary delegation at MFAT to discuss European Union FTA implementation, which has just had its one year anniversary of coming into force. Hone delivered clear messages about the importance of EU member states developing practical roadmaps to support Māori exporters and trade aspirations. EU Parliament delegation leader MP Sean Kelly (https://www.facebook.com/sean.kellymep) said “We were deeply honoured by the warm welcome, the openness of our New Zealand counterparts, and the chance to learn more about the richness of the Māori heritage and culture. It was a powerful reminder of how much we can gain from listening, sharing and building lasting partnerships”.

Canadian High Commissioner Engagement – 31 July 2025

Hone McGregor and MFAT’s Tane Waetford met with Canadian High Commissioner H.E. Keith Smith (https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/new_zealand-nouvelle_zelande/wellington-rep.aspx?lang=eng) to explore synergies between Māori and Canadian indigenous trade strategies. Discussions covered the four pou of Te Taumata, indigenous women in industry initiatives, and pathways to support Māori exporters entering the Canadian market.

Te Aratini at Australian Pavilion – 4 August 2025

Te Taumata Trustee, Teresa Tepania-Ashton, presented in Osaka, Japan, on behalf of Te Taumata’s joint research Māori trade programme ‘Tauhokohoko’ with University of Waikato’s Hon. Nanaia Mahuta. More than 70 Māori delegates and over 170 indigenous representatives gathered in Osaka to advance the indigenous-led platform, part of the global Expo 2025 and to promote trade, cultural exchange and collaboration grounded in indigenous values of reciprocity, responsibility and whakawhanaungatanga. Teresa also met with other indigenous leaders and key stakeholders to progress Māori–Canadian and also Māori-Australian trade links. Teresa pictured here with Canadian High Commissioner to NZ, H.E. Keith Smith in Osaka.

Hong Kong 15 years of CEPA Dinner – 9 August 2025

In his role as Deputy Chair of AsiaNZ, Hone McGregor attended a Hong Kong Govt gala dinner celebrating 15 years of Hong Kong/New Zealand’s CEPA trade agreement. Mr Algernon Yau, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development delivered the keynote speech along with Trade Minister Hon. Todd McClay. Hone also held discussions with Mrs. Bonnie Shek, Director, Australia and New Zealand for Hong Kong’s Trade Development Council regarding attracting values-aligned Asian investment into Māori economic projects, and the role of strategic long-term planning in ensuring mana motuhake while engaging with global capital and B2B Māori exporter opportunities. Please contact us if you would like connections into Hong Kong.

Te Taumata Website is now LIVE!

Te Taumata is proud to announce that our updated website is now live!

The refreshed site is designed to better connect whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori exporters with the kaupapa of advancing Māori interests in trade, policy, and global partnerships. It provides easy access to news, resources, research, and updates on our mahi — including our work advocating for Māori-led trade policy, implementing Free Trade Agreement benefits, and growing Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade opportunities.

Visit us today and explore the new features:
www.tetaumata.com

Nōu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi — with your contribution and ours, our people will thrive.

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Te Taumata Trustees Hone McGregor and Teresa Tepania-Ashton attended the 2025 Europe Day Reception at Parliament, hosted by Hon Todd McClay, Minister of Trade and Investment and H.E. Lawrence Meredit, Ambassador for the EU. The event celebrated 1 year for the FTA and marked the enduring partnership between Aotearoa and the European Union. Te Taumata used the opportunity to advocate for deeper Māori inclusion in EU trade frameworks and explore cultural diplomacy pathways and for implementation of the FTA’s Māori economic cooperation chapter.

India NZ Business Council: Boardroom to Border – 9 May 2025

Held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland, this India-New Zealand leadership forum was themed Boardroom to Border, focusing on strategic trade collaboration and business ecosystems. Te Taumata Trustees Hone McGregor and Ethan Jones joined government ministers and Indian trade leaders, including keynote speeches by the Prime Minister and Deputy PM & Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Winston Peters. This forum stepped off the recent Biz Leaders’ Mission to India led by the Prime Minister Luxon, attended by Hone, that included the Māori business interests. India NZ Business Council are looking towards the India-NZ FTA’s potential, Māori trade opportunities, investment in sustainable agriculture opportunities, and cross-cultural business protocols.

French Embassy Dinner – 12 May 2025

On the evening of 12 May 2025, Te Taumata Chair Hone McGregor joined H.E. Ambassador Laurence Beau from France and officials from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) at the Résidence de France in Thorndon, Wellington for a formal signing event. The occasion marked the signing of the French–Māori EU FTA Roadmap—an innovative and forward-looking initiative designed to implement Chapter 20 of the EU–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (EU-NZ FTA) and strengthen ties between the French and Māori economies.

This significant milestone also commemorated the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Aotearoa New Zealand. The EU FTA French Govt-Te Taumata roadmap was born out of discussions initiated during the 2023 French Pacific Business Forum, where the French Minister for Foreign Trade engaged with Māori economic leaders, including Te Taumata, to explore new models of cooperation between French Pacific Territories and Māori businesses.

The signed roadmap outlines three key objectives:

• A long-term commitment to bilateral collaboration
• Strengthening economic and cultural bonds
• Agile, operational, and specific project-based cooperation

Shared values underpinning this agreement include climate and environmental responsibility, biodiversity preservation, gender equity, and the principles of a socially fair and circular economy. The partnership will focus on practical collaboration in green transition technologies, innovative agriculture, tourism development, and scientific exchange.

Read more about the Roadmap and its long-term vision.

ASEAN Roundtable with Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn – 14 May 2025

Te Taumata Chair Hone McGregor attended a closed-door Chatham House roundtable with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. The Asia New Zealand Foundation-hosted event discussed ASEAN’s evolving regional architecture, Indigenous economic participation, and the future of NZ-ASEAN diplomatic and trade ties and marked the 50th Anniversary of NZ ASEAN dialogue partnership. Aotearoa and ASEAN also had a Commemorative Leaders’ Summit with the launch of a new Plan of Action, and ongoing discussions about the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Dinner with H.E. Prasanna Gamage – 22 May 2025

Te Taumata Chair, Hone McGregor, joined a diplomatic dinner with Sri Lanka’s new High Commissioner to New Zealand, H.E. Prasanna Gamage, which was hosted by the AsiaNZ Foundation. Discussions centred on strengthening Māori–Sri Lankan trade pathways, with particular interest in education, agriculture, and traditional medicine collaborations. H.E. Gamage is the first High-Commissioner from Sri Lanka to NZ, presenting his credentials to the Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, on 31st January and officially assumed his duties in Wellington on 3rd February 2025.

French NZ Chamber of Commerce 40th Anniversary – 5 June 2025

Celebrating 40 years of French–New Zealand economic collaboration, this Auckland event also publicly launched the Māori–French Roadmap to business leaders, politicians, the Mayor of Auckland and diplomats. Hone McGregor was interviewed with Te Ao Māori TV and NBR editor Mike McRoberts, reinforcing the importance of Māori perspectives in international trade and innovation. Pictured: Mike McRoberts, Hone McGregor, Vincent Gremeret (Deputy Head of Mission).

ASEAN YBLI Delegation to Te Tauihu – June 2025

A group of ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI)s, hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, spent two insightful days in Te Tauihu engaging with Te Taumata and leading Māori business, Wakatū Incorporation. Their visit included a strategic briefing with Wakatū kaimahi, focusing on Māori AgriBiz vertical integration and Wakatū’s intergenerational, values-based 500-year vision ‘Te Pae Tawhiti’. The delegation also toured Kono LLP’s Horticulture sites and the advanced pack house at Golden Bay Fruit, gaining a deeper understanding of Māori-led innovation in vertically integrated food and farming enterprises. The group continued on to Fieldays in Waikato (Mystery Creek), where Te Taumata Trustees Hone McGregor and Rawson Wright met with agribusiness sector business leaders, diplomatic missions and international agricultural envoys – to further Indigenous trade and engagement.

Fieldays 2025 – 11 June 2025 (Day 1)

Fieldays remains a pivotal platform for agri-tech and international engagement. Hone McGregor and Rawson Wright met with Māori Agrbiz sector leaders and also caught-up with Hon.Todd McClay Minister of Agriculture & Export, Chair Charles Finny (New Zealand Trade & Enterprise NZTE Chairman – pictured here), Irish and French delegates, and ASEAN agricultural envoys. Discussions ranged from farming and agriculture science and innovation to Indigenous IP, climate-smart farming, and agri-export potential.

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Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

Thank you again for participating in the Te Taumata Hui 2025. We are pleased to share the outcomes, next steps, and links to resources that continue to build our collective impact in Māori trade and economic leadership.

You can read our Hui Wrap-Up and Next Steps Pānui here

What’s Next?

• Keep an eye on our regional hui on FTA implementation.
• Get involved in Tauhokohoko research and wānanga.
• Connect with us about Māori-led investment and FDI opportunities.

Access the Hui Slide Decks and Resources here

Stay connected with us at natalie@tetaumata.com or follow our updates on social media.

Nā mātou o Te Taumata,
ngā manaakitanga nui ki a koutou katoa.

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The post Te Taumata Panui – 24 December 2024 appeared first on Te Taumata.

Tēnā koutou katoa,

As the year draws to a close, Te Taumata extends our warmest greetings and deepest gratitude to our whānau, partners, and supporters. Together, we’ve achieved incredible milestones in 2024 — your passion, dedication, and trust have been the heart of our success.

Office Closure Notice
Our office will be closed from 24 Hakihea (December) 2024 and will reopen on 6 Kohitātea (January) 2025.

During this time, we hope you find moments of peace, joy, and connection with loved ones. Take time to recharge, reflect on the past year, and dream boldly for the future.

We are excited about the opportunities 2025 holds and look forward to working alongside you as we continue our journey together. Thank you for being an essential part of our kaupapa.

Ngā mihi maioha me ngā manaakitanga nui,

Hone McGregor
Chair, Te Rōpū Taumata Charitable Trust (Te Taumata)

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Te Taumata has exciting news from APEC Leaders Week in Lima, Peru, where Aotaroa-New Zealand has just signed our groundbreaking new trade agreement focused on climate action and sustainability. The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade, and Sustainability (ACCTS) is a significant step towards creating more commercial opportunities for our Māori exporters while also protecting Papatūānuku me te taiao and upholding our commitments to kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga.

Te Taumata’s Role

We are proud to share that Te Taumata, your Māori Trade Advisory Group, has been actively engaged throughout the development process of this agreement. We have worked closely with the government to ensure that the principles of kaitiakitanga and the values of our Māori exporters are reflected in the ACCTS. This collaborative approach has helped shape a trade agreement that aligns with our vision for a sustainable and equitable future.

What is ACCTS?

The ACCTS is an innovative and flexible trade agreement designed to grow over time and welcome new members. The more countries that join us, the more opportunities there will be for Aotearoa-New Zealand businesses to access international markets. The agreement will officially take effect around late 2025 or early 2026, and the full details will be shared soon.

What Does This Mean for Māori Exporters?

Environmental Goods:

The agreement will remove tariffs on over 300 products identified as environmentally friendly, making it easier and cheaper to trade these goods. This comprehensive list includes not only industrial products like solar panels and wind turbines but also natural, renewable goods such as wool and timber, which are significant export sectors for Māori businesses in the primary industries. This aligns with our principles of kaitiakitanga, recognising the value of sustainably sourced resources and creating opportunities for our Māori businesses exporting wood products and natural fibres. It sets a strong commercial precedent for a future where our trade reflects our respect for the environment and our kaupapa of Tūpuna Pono – being good ancestors, now!

Environmental Services:

ACCTS also opens up market access for over 100 types of environmental services. This covers a wide range of opportunities, from consulting on renewable energy projects (like solar or wind) to environmental engineering and monitoring. By reducing trade barriers, this agreement will help our Māori service providers enter new markets and share knowledge on climate adaptation and emissions reduction. This too, aligns with our kaupapa of being Tūpuna Pono, ensuring we take actions today that benefit our mokopuna and future generations.

Eco-Labelling:

The agreement includes guidelines for eco-labelling, which will help New Zealand producers showcase their environmentally friendly products. This can be particularly beneficial for Māori businesses that focus on sustainable practices, making it easier to promote and sell goods internationally without facing unfair trade barriers. These guidelines support our commitment to kaitiakitanga, protecting the integrity of our products and the values they represent.

Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform:

For the first time, ACCTS includes legally binding commitments to cut harmful fossil fuel subsidies that distort trade and damage the environment. This is a positive move towards a fairer and greener global economy, supporting Tūpuna Pono thinking and actions, as we strive to leave behind a better world for those who come after us.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. As more countries join ACCTS, the benefits will continue to grow for Aotearoa- New Zealand exporters, particularly those involved in sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services. Te Taumata will continue to play an active role, advocating for Māori interests and ensuring that our voices are heard as this agreement evolves.

Ngā mihi nui,
Hone McGregor
Te Taumata – Māori Trade Advisory Group

This new agreement reflects our shared commitment to kaitiakitanga and Tūpuna Pono. It offers a chance to enhance our trade practices in ways that honour our values, care for our Te Taiao & Papatūānuku, and create a positive legacy for ngā uri – future generations. Stay tuned for further updates and information on how this trade agreement could open new doors for Māori businesses/exporters dedicated to sustainability and guardianship of our natural resources.

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