February 04, 2016
Maori urged to embrace TPP
Maori are being urged to embrace the Trans Pacific Partnership for the economic benefits it can bring.
The agreement is being signed in Auckland today by trade ministers from the 12 TPP countries, with Maori among those protesting in the streets outside.
New Zealand International Business Forum executive director Stephen Jacobi, who chairs both the St John’s College and Te Aute boards, says the failure to consult Maori was a flaw in the process, but it’s no reason for opposing the deal.
He says Maori need to ask themselves whether they can stand aside from a deal that covers 40 percent of New Zealand’s export markets, including many areas that Maori producers are targeting.
"We know we have a huge job to address Maori economic development and Maori economic empowerment. I certainly see that everyday in the work that I do with the Te Aute Trust Board. We've got to do our best for all of that and one of the ways that we can do that is through negotiating international treaties and trade agreements. And ensuring that our vital interests are protected and indeed when it comes to exports, advanced," he says.
Steven Jacobi says the TPP won’t stop the New Zealand Government doing anything it needs to do regarding the Treaty of Waitangi, but it also doesn’t compel them to do anything.
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