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IPETCA Partnership Council
The IPETCA established the IPETCA Partnership Council – a unique joint decision-making body comprising economy representatives and Indigenous representatives to oversee and implement the Arrangement.
Key outcomes
The IPETCA achieves several outcomes:
- Indigenous representatives from participating economies were instrumental in advocating for and developing the IPETCA;
- It reaffirms existing Indigenous Peoples’ rights including under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other international instruments;
- It provides a holistic definition for “Indigenous trade and investment” developed by Indigenous Peoples;
- It provides a framework for cooperation between participating economies to develop and expand international Indigenous trade and investment with and between Indigenous Peoples;
- It establishes a Partnership Council to jointly oversee the IPETCA’s implementation;
- It is an open plurilateral Arrangement that any APEC or WTO Member, or any other economy, can join.
Indigenous Trade
Indigenous Peoples have been traders and entrepreneurs since time immemorial. Of the world’s 476 million Indigenous Peoples, the World Bank estimates that 70 percent live across the Asia Pacific region. Indigenous economies have evolved considerably and continue to make a meaningful contribution within APEC economies.
Firms engaged in international trade are more innovative, competitive, productive, and higher earning. Indigenous Peoples are increasingly active in export-focused sectors, but they also face higher barriers in accessing international trade and investment opportunities.
The IPETCA helps to address and embed Indigenous trade interests more firmly on the international agenda, including promoting and advancing Indigenous rights and interests in trade policy.
Who can join the IPETCA?
The IPETCA is open to all economies that are committed to strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ trade and economic participation and empowerment.
IPETCA Partner economies are expected to have both Government and Indigenous representatives. IPETCA Observers can be represented by either Government and/or Indigenous representatives.
Economies, groups, and entities are invited to submit expressions of interest to join IPETCA, to New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as the current chairing economy, at ipetca.nz@mfat.govt.nz.
Expressions of interest will be received by the IPETCA Co-Chairs and brought to the Partnership Council for consideration and approval.
Email ipetca.nz@mfat.govt.nz with any queries.
Expressions of Interest: Two Māori Representatives for the IPETCA Partnership Council
We are seeking two Māori participants to represent Aotearoa New Zealand on the IPETCA Partnership Council for a two-year term starting March 2026.
About IPETCA
The Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) was established in 2021 to support and enhance Indigenous trade and economic collaboration and participation. The current members are Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Chinese Taipei.
Indigenous and government representatives work together to raise awareness of and advance Indigenous trade issues and interests, shape and influence trade policy, strengthen business connections, and foster cooperation and relationships through an agreed strategic plan.
Your leadership, experiences, and perspectives will ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand’s interests are promoted and advanced on the Partnership Council.
What the role involves
- Represent Māori interests at quarterly IPETCA Partnership Council meetings and joint meetings with New Zealand government officials.
- Contribute to shaping discussions and decisions that impact Indigenous trade and investment.
- Lead and support projects that deliver tangible benefits for Māori and Indigenous communities.
- Represent Indigenous trade kaupapa internationally, building strong global relationships and connections.
Successful candidates will bring:
- A strong understanding of Māori economic aspirations and priorities.
- An ability to engage effectively with Māori communities and government representatives.
- Experience in trade, investment, or Indigenous economic development is an advantage.
- Ability to create opportunities and identify practical solutions that enhance Indigenous trade, investment, and economic growth.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Integrity and a collaborative approach.
We are looking to appoint two primary representatives and one alternate (in the event that a primary representative is absent or resigns). The successful appointees will be remunerated in line with the Cabinet Fees Framework.
How to Apply
Please send your expression of interest to Renata Hakiwai by email renata@tu.partners. Your application should include:
- A short cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
- Why you are interested in representing Aotearoa on the IPETCA Partnership Council.
- Your relevant experience and skills.
- How you will contribute to advancing Māori and Indigenous trade and economic aspirations internationally.
- Your CV.
Expressions of interest close on Thursday 19 February.
For more information, please contact Renata Hakiwai by email renata@tu.partners or mobile 021 942 093.