Te Taumata Panui 05 July 2024

Wāhine Māori Tech Leaders Delegation (01-14 June 2024)

From 01-14 June 2024, a distinguished delegation of 10 Māori tech entrepreneurs and business leaders from New Zealand embarked on a significant trade and partnership mission to Paris. This initiative, organised by Te Taumata in collaboration with MFAT, Callaghan Innovation, BHC, the French Embassy, French Free Trade Commission, and French Trade Commission, aimed to strengthen international ties and explore new opportunities. The delegation, representing a diverse range of industries including fintech, sustainable materials, digital health, and more, showcased the innovation and expertise of Māori businesses on a global stage. This mission not only highlighted the capabilities of our entrepreneurs but also paved the way for future collaborations and growth in international markets.

State Dinner Highlights: Strengthening NZ-China Bilateral Relations (14 June 2024)

Te Taumata was honoured to attend the state dinner for Chinese Premier His Excellency Li Qiang and the New Zealand Prime Minister, with the entire Cabinet present, underscoring the event’s significance. Last month, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited New Zealand to promote and strengthen bilateral relations between our nations, focusing on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. This visit provided more context around Toitū Te Whenua’s role, emphasized the importance of the EU Free Trade Agreement, and fostered economic cooperation with Māori businesses. These efforts aim to strengthen Māori perspectives in international relations and ensure that Māori companies benefit from global opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates on our international engagements and their impact on our community.

NZ Business Mission to Japan (16 June 2024)

The delegation, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Trade, along with 25 other business leaders and the awesome kapa haka group Iti Kahurangi, went to Japan. This mission followed a successful stint in Paris and aimed to further strengthen international partnerships.

 

Asia NZ Roundtable and US-based Asia Foundation Visit (19 June 2024)

The Asia NZ Roundtable and a visit from the US-based Asia Foundation underscored the significant role of the Indo-Pacific region to Aotearoa New Zealand. These events highlighted NZ’s perceptions of Asia, which continues to be seen as vital to New Zealand’s future. The roundtable focused on strengthening ties and understanding between New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific region, fostering discussions on economic and cultural exchanges, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. The strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region to Aotearoa New Zealand cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in our economic growth, security, and cultural richness. Strengthening our relationships within this region is essential for our continued prosperity and international standing.

‘See Tomorrow 1st’ Bilateral Innovation Event (19 June 2024)

The “See Tomorrow First” initiative is a key part of New Zealand’s strategy to showcase its tech and innovation capabilities on the global stage. The event aimed to build awareness of New Zealand’s tech sector, attract investment, and inspire future generations. It involved over 80 deep tech startups, large industrial leaders, research centres, and international organisations. This initiative is designed to promote the values New Zealanders bring to creating technology and to leverage the country’s unique position as one of the first to see the new dawn each day.

French Delegation Visit (19 June 2024)

A French trade mission visited Wellington on the 19 June 2024. This followed a previous visit by the French Minister of Trade. The mission, hosted by Toitū Te Whenua, focused on infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban development. Māori companies interested in European partnerships were encouraged to participate.

 

ACCTS Joint Ministerial Statement

Te Taumata is pleased to share the release of the Joint Ministerial Statement on the conclusion of negotiations for the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade, and Sustainability (ACCTS). This statement marks a significant milestone in integrating environmental sustainability into global trade practices. The ACCTS agreement involves Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental challenges.

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Hone Tiatoa – Trustee at Te Taumata

Hone Tiatoa

Trustee

Ngāti Awa ki Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manaia ki Ngāpuhi, Uri o Pou ki Ngāpuhi
John holds multiple chairman and executive roles focusing on research and development for whānau, hapū, and iwi trusts and charitable organisations. John is also a Policy Advisor for the Māori interest within Article 2 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Prof. Dr Robert Joseph

Trustee

Tainui, Tūwharetoa, Kahungunu, Rangitāne, Ngāi Tahu
Dr Joseph completed his Bachelor and Master of Laws degrees at Waikato and was admitted to the Bar in 1998. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and was a senior research fellow for the Te Mātāhauariki Research Institute at the University of Waikato under the leadership of Judge Michael Brown and Dr Alex Frame. Dr Joseph completed a PhD in Law in 2006.
Victor Goldsmith – Trustee at Te Taumata

Victor Goldsmith

Trustee

Ngāti Porou
Victor has held governance and executive roles across numerous sectors, including Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Ngāti Porou Forest Limited, Director of Awanui-Moana Limited Partnership, Independent Director of Ngāti Pahauwera Commercial Development Limited and Trustee of the Mānuka Charitable Trust. He has also been the National Operations Manager of ApiMed Medical Honey Limited, the General Manager of Ngāti Porou Miere Limited Partnership, CEO of Te Aupouri Iwi and Group CEO of Te Kaahui o Rauru
Ernestynne Walsh – Trustee at Te Taumata

Ernestynne Walsh

Trustee

Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui

Ernestynne joined the trust through He Tukutuku Koiora, the future Māori directors programme led by Tapuwae Roa. Digital and data governance is her area or speciality having provided digital and data governance support for various advisory groups including ACC, MBIE, NZSIS and DIA. At Te Taumata, she supports with digital trade chapters and indigenous trade research. In 2025, she won a Te Hapori Maithiko award for corporate change.

Ethan Jones – Trustee at Te Taumata

Ethan Jones

Trustee

Ngai Takoto, Te Aupouri
Ethan joined the Foundation’s business programme in May 2021 and is based in Auckland. He spent five years living, studying, and working in China. Ethan first moved to China to continue studying Mandarin after completing his bachelor’s degree in Chinese and Modern Languages. He later worked in sales for ABI, a global Fortune 500 beer company, where he helped develop their portfolio and presence in the Shanghai craft beer sector. During his time in China, he was an active member of both the Hangzhou and Shanghai New Zealand business communities. In 2019, Ethan returned to New Zealand and started a company focused on Chinese tourism in regional areas.
Teresa Tepania-Ashton – Trustee at Te Taumata

Teresa Tepania-Ashton

Trustee

Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāpuhi.
After a 12-year career working internationally with Citibank (Vice President), CEO of Te Rūnanga o Ngāpuhi and 10 years as CEO of Māori Women’s Development Inc., Teresa continues to thrive as a Senior Executive, to put her decades of community and corporate governance experience to work for her people. Teresa was awarded the Dame Mira Scazy Alumni Award (1999) from Auckland University, a finalist in the ‘Women of Influence Awards’ in the Not-for-Profit Category (2015) and Board & Management Category (2016). In June 2016, Teresa received a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to Maori and business.
Rawson Wright – Deputy Chair of Te Taumata

Rawson Wright

Deputy Chair

Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Whatua, Ngati Porou, Te Whanau A Apanui, Ngāti Hine
Rawson leads and advocates for several large Māori business initiatives in farming, forestry, and economic development. He has collaborated on indigenous research in South America and enjoys the relationships with our whanaunga in Canada, USA, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Australia, and the Pacific. His expertise lies in farming, forestry, carbon trading, housing, and IT. He has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from University of Auckland and NZ TCB in Dairy Farming.
Hone McGregor – Chair of Te Taumata

Hone McGregor

Chair

Rarua/Te Ati Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Te Atiawa, Te Atihaunui-a-Päpärangi, Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāti Kere, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Rarua, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kuia

Hone specialises in Māori business development, international trade, and research, holding several key governance roles in New Zealand. Hone has served on the Trade for All Advisory Board and the National Research Priorities panel, supporting New Zealand’s trade and research strategies. Currently, Hone chairs Wakatū Incorporation and Kono LLP, exporting premium Māori food and beverage products to over 30 countries, including key markets across Asia. Hone’s leadership extends to Māori trade research and economic development through his work with the Tauhokohoko Research Steering Committee.