June 30, 2023
Kapa haka cutting the ice on China trip
Forestry and Tourism Minister Peeni Henare says the inclusion of Te Matatini winner Te Whanau a Apanui has been a valuable addition to Prime Minister Chris Hipkin’s China trade mission.
The group which also includes about 30 business leaders arrive is in Shanghai after some high level political contacts in Beijing, including a meeting between Mr Hopkins and President Xi Jinping.
Mr Henare says the cultural component makes the mission stand out for the Chinese.
“They make it quite clear that culture is a significant part of who they are and it is for us too so Te Whanau a Apanui are certainly playing their part as part of a strong delegation to look towards our economy with the economy here in China,” he says.
Mr Henare says the trip has allowed him to talk with the Chinese about work being done to make the forestry industry sustainable, and also to remind them Aotearoa is open again for tourism.