Friday 6th May 2016

Treaty of Waitangi rights protected in TPPA

The Waitangi Tribunal's ruling that the TPPA has not breached treaty obligations is of no surprise says FOMA Chairman Traci Houpapa.

“Over the last 10 years New Zealand has entered into more than 110 trade agreements with the same provisions recognising the Treaty and the important place Māori hold in our country. We trust this decision will allay concerns and inform discussions. FOMA will continue to engage with the Minister of Trade and government on trade and export matters.”

FOMA welcomes the report which confirms its position that the TPP provides Māori with an access to the largest export markets in the world.

The TPP represents around 40% of our exports and our major trade interests being meat, dairy, horticulture, wine, seafood, forest products as well as manufactured goods. This agreement promises to provide better export and trade deals than the China FTA with obvious benefits for Maori exporters and business people. The flow on effects for our members and our communities will be significant.

“FOMA is the only Māori organisation in Aotearoa with a proven track record in economic development and asset management,” says Ms Houpapa. “It’s now up to us to take the next step to expand and grow export and trade opportunities for our members.”

ENDS

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