December 15, 2022
Trade claimants set up shop
Māori trade claimants have set up a roopu to try to ensure future trade agreements are in compliance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Co-convenor Moana Maniapoto says Ngā Toki Whakarururanga grew out of Waitangi Tribunal mediation on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement Claim.
She says it’s been playing catch-up trying to have input in the United Kingdom and European Union free trade agreements, and it has developed a frank relationship with negotiators from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The aim is to ensure Māori have meaningful influence at every stage of the policy and negotiation process.
“It’s a challenging one for all of us, it’s very frustrating, we’re hoping we get to a position when the next agreement’s on the table or about to, we are in a proactive space, that we have gone out there, our networks have delivered positions that this entity can advocate and respond to as bottom lines,” Ms Maniapoto says.
Ngā Toki Whakarururanga is building up a broad coalition to reflect how trade agreements impact on everyone, including undermining control over mātauranga Māori and whakapapa in the digital space or Māori rights to set out standards for rōngoa, organics and culture.