“CNI Iwi Holdings Ltd is the trustee company that holds and manages 176,000 hectares of forest lands on behalf of eight tribes: Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Arawa,” said Dr Sharples.

“Asia’s Dragon economies are fast becoming the centre of gravity of our global economy with China at the helm. Leaders from our Māori ‘Taniwha economy’ are heading to China to strengthen existing cultural and economic relationships.”

Dr Sharples says the phenomenal growth of the Asian and Chinese economies is something the Māori economy can relate and aspire to. Estimated by BERL to be worth $38 billion in 2010, maximising the Māori economy’s export and innovation potential will be crucial to its future success.

“We have no choice but to do what it takes to boost revenue and exports to support businesses, communities and families across our country. At this month’s FOMA Science and Innovation symposium BERL’s Chief Economist Ganesh Nana told Māori asset holders that we must ‘export or die’: we choose export.”

The business delegation is part of an ongoing strategy supported by Te Puni Kōkiri to strengthen trade relationships with China. The delegation is made up of representatives from a wide range of sectors including fishing, forestry, agribusiness, education, food and beverage, investment and banking.

“Some of our largest Māori-owned farms, iconic tourism ventures and other innovative businesses are joining us – at no small expense to themselves,” said Dr Sharples.

CNI Holdings chair, Matt Te Pou was named as a member of the delegation by Dr Sharples today.

ENDS

For more information: http://www.cniiwiholdingsltd.co.nz .

Media contact: Andrew Robb 029- 482 8494 or 04- 817 6772