As we approach Matariki we are reminded to take a moment to reflect, celebrate our achievements and look to the future. 

In the past 12 months, Te Taumata has played a significant role in growing the fruits of Māori efforts, resulting in new global trade opportunities.

Notably, the signing of the NZ/UK Free Trade Agreement, with its groundbreaking Indigenous Chapter, was not only a win for Aotearoa, but for all Māori.

Capitalising on this momentum, Te Taumata has created a workplan with the New Zealand Government to ensure Māori have a strong voice in every international trade agreement being negotiated in 2022.

Looking to the future, Te Taumata is committed to advocating for better outcomes for Māori across the board.

However, our primary focus continues to be opening up global markets for the fruits of our harvest – kai from our whenua, the moana, and the forests.

As we grow our presence in international trade, we will grow our whānau and moko at home.

We have been closely involved in the NZ/EU FTA and anticipate that, much like the agreement with Britain, our people stand to make monumental gains.

We are also closely watching the IPEF dialogue between the US and Indo-Pacific and how this could benefit Māori.

Finally, as we remember and honour those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki, we are reminded of all that has come before us, and all that is yet to come.

We acknowledge our power as Māori and all that we can achieve in today’s world while maintaining our tikanga.

Ka puta a Matariki, ka rere a Whanui

Pleiades reappears as Vega starts its flight.

Ko tenei te tohu o te tau hou Māori

these are the signs of the start of the Māori New Year.

No reira nga mihi nui o te tau hou Māori o Aotearoa hoki kia koutou katoa.