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Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.
Opportunities for Māori exporters and businesses
The Māori economy has an asset base estimated to be worth around $70 billion, contributing significantly to the growth of the national economy. While traditionally concentrated in the primary sector Māori assets are increasingly diversified, including into digital services.
In 2023, New Zealand had 85 Māori tech firms, which employed 1,300 people..
The DEPA enables Māori exporters to benefit from clearer trade rules surrounding the digital economy and provides opportunities to leverage economic cooperation on emerging digital economy opportunities. The DEPA’s digital inclusion module [hyperlink] provides a platform to enhance cultural and people-to-people links, including between Indigenous Peoples.
Protecting Māori interests: Recognising Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The DEPA contains a Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ Treaty of Waitangi exception clause which, combined with other provisions, protects the government’s ability to adopt policies that fulfil its obligations to Māori without being obliged to offer equivalent treatment to our trading partners.
In response to the Wai 2522 report published by the Waitangi Tribunal, the DEPA Protocol includes a clause that reinforces New Zealand’s ability to adopt measures to protect Māori rights and interests, including protecting Matauranga Māori and other obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.