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Download AudioFederation of Māori Authorities chair Traci Houpapa says the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang was a chance for Māori to pursue relationships which can improve their trade position.
She says more than half of New Zealand’s $40 billion trade with China is in areas like meat, dairy and wood products which are critical for Maori producers.
While concerns have been raised about security, foreign interference in New Zealand affairs and human rights in China, FOMA members are pragmatists.
“For Maori it’s critically important that Aotearoa New Zealand and China maintains its relationship country to country as traders, as counties, as people. The idea that New Zealand is seen as a partner with China is important but equally there are concerns around security, foreign interference that some of our whanaunga have raised quite rightly and have been put on the table,” Ms Houpapa says.
She says Māori have insisted they are there for mor than the welcomes and the cultural input.
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