Ngāti Kahungunu is strengthening its connections with one of New Zealand’s most important seafood export markets, as iwi leaders explore new opportunities for Māori fisheries in China.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Deputy Chairman Hayden Hape is among approximately 48 fishermen, industry representatives, directors and company staff participating in the Fiordland Lobster Company China Tour 2026, running from 19 to 31 October.
The delegation is visiting Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao, gaining firsthand insights into changing consumer preferences, international competition and the future of New Zealand’s premium seafood exports.
Hape, who is also a Director of Kahungunu Asset Holding Company, says the experience is highlighting both the opportunities and challenges facing Māori fishing interests as competition intensifies in China’s lucrative seafood market.
CHINA’S CHANGING APPETITE FOR PREMIUM SEAFOOD
China remains a strategically important destination for New Zealand lobster exports, with premium seafood playing a significant role in celebrations, weddings and Chinese New Year festivities.
However, the market is changing.
The delegation has heard from leading industry, trade and science experts about emerging competitors, changing consumer expectations and the importance of maintaining New Zealand’s reputation for quality.
Among the speakers was Patrick Lu, General Manager of Silver Fern Farms China, who outlined developments in China’s food markets and the positioning of premium New Zealand products.
Professor Quinn Fitzgibbon examined advances in lobster science and the expanding Vietnamese lobster industry, including the competitive implications for New Zealand crayfish exporters.
Meanwhile, Wilson Pang from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise provided insights into China’s regional markets and changing patterns of seafood consumption.
At a dinner sponsored by Mainfreight, New Zealand Deputy Consul-General in Shanghai James Kim-Russell highlighted the longstanding trade relationship between New Zealand and China.
The discussions reinforced the importance of quality, reputation and strong commercial relationships as international suppliers compete for Chinese consumers.
For Māori fishing interests, understanding these developments is critical to protecting existing markets and identifying future opportunities.
BUILDING ON NGĀHIWI TOMOANA’S INTERNATIONAL LEGACY
One of the most significant moments of the tour for Hape was reconnecting with Joyce Liu, NZTE Business Development Manager for Greater China, whom he first met 14 years ago.
That earlier meeting took place during a trade mission alongside former Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana, which helped introduce wild Southern Bluefin tuna into Shanghai.
The reunion highlighted the enduring value of relationships established through early Māori trade initiatives.
Hape reflected on the important role Ngahiwi and his wife, Mere Tomoana, played in building connections with Chinese business and trade representatives.
He was particularly moved to discover how warmly the couple continue to be remembered by colleagues and friends in China.
For Hape, those relationships demonstrate that successful international trade involves more than commercial transactions.
It also requires trust, cultural understanding, personal connections and a commitment to maintaining relationships across generations.
Ngahiwi’s leadership helped establish an international network that continues to create opportunities for Ngāti Kahungunu and Māori commercial interests.
MĀORI FISHERIES LOOK TO THE FUTURE
The tour comes as New Zealand’s seafood industry faces an increasingly competitive international environment.
Emerging lobster producers, shifting consumer preferences and evolving trade relationships are creating both opportunities and challenges for exporters.
For Ngāti Kahungunu, the priority is ensuring iwi fishing interests remain informed, competitive and connected to the markets that influence the long-term value of Māori fisheries assets.
Hape says strengthening relationships and understanding international developments will help position Māori fishing interests for the future.
The visit also reinforces the importance of Māori participation in international trade discussions, particularly where decisions and market developments could affect iwi-owned fisheries investments.
Hape acknowledged Fiordland Lobster Company for the invitation and the opportunity to engage directly with fishermen, industry leaders and international trade representatives.
MORE THAN TRADE — A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
For Ngāti Kahungunu, the China tour represents more than an opportunity to understand seafood exports.
It is also about continuing the international relationships established by earlier Māori leaders and ensuring those connections deliver lasting benefits for future generations.
As competition for premium seafood markets grows, the ability to maintain trusted relationships, understand changing consumer demand and protect New Zealand’s reputation will become increasingly important.
And for Ngāti Kahungunu, the kaupapa remains clear.
Build on the foundations laid by Ngahiwi Tomoana, strengthen Māori participation in global markets and ensure the benefits of the fisheries industry continue flowing back to iwi and whānau.
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