Māori exports in 2023 were estimated at approximately $5.2 billion, or 5.6% of the national export total.
Māori have significant trade interests in the primary sector and in manufacturing, with each accounting for approximately $1.9 billion in exports in 2023. About $1.1 billion of the $1.9 billion from manufacturing was related to the primary sector, including dairy and meat processing, other food manufacturing, and wood and paper manufacturing. Professional, financial and administrative services is an emerging sector, accounting for approximately $700 million of exports. Māori tourism contributed $1.2 billion to GDP in 2023.
Although the larger proportion of Māori assets remain concentrated in the primary industries sector, there is increasing diversification into other areas, including geothermal, digital services, education, tourism and property.
Many of the KNZFTA outcomes benefit Māori exporters and businesses, including through:
- increased access and improved quality of access for New Zealand trade and investment, contributing to growth, jobs and higher living standards.
- helping raise the commercial profile of New Zealand companies in Korea.
- the existence of a framework through KNZFTA for discussing and resolving trade issues.
Recognising the Treaty of Waitangi
The KNZFTA recognises the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi to New Zealand in protecting and promoting Māori rights, interests, duties, and responsibilities. As with all free trade agreements that New Zealand has negotiated since 2001, the KNZFTA contains an exception clause that preserves the Government’s ability to meet its obligations to Māori, including under te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi.