Successful farming business Atihau Whanganui Incorporation will be represented in a business delegation to China that will be led by Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples.

“Atihau Whanganui’s cautious optimism and innovation is paying off for shareholders,” says Dr Sharples.

“Asia’s Dragon economies are fast becoming the centre of gravity of our global economy with China at the helm. Leaders from our Māori ‘Taniwha economy’ are heading to China to strengthen existing cultural and economic relationships.”

In spite of challenging and abnormal climatic seasons in the Waimarino and Ruapehu regions – not to mention the global economic climate - Atihau Whanganui directors produced a strong financial report to shareholders last year. This includes assets worth close to $200 million and a net surplus topping $6 million last year. The incorporation manages a diverse portfolio – that covers dairy, beef and forestry enterprises – across 41,700 hectares of lands – roughly the size of Lake Taupō.

The phenomenal growth of the Asian and Chinese economies is something the Māori economy can relate and aspire to. Estimated by BERL to be worth $38 billion in 2010, maximising the Māori economy’s export and innovation potential will be crucial to its future success said Dr Sharples.

“We have no choice but to do what it takes to boost revenue and exports to support businesses, communities and families across our country. At this month’s FOMA Science and Innovation symposium BERL’s Chief Economist Ganesh Nana told Māori asset holders that we must ‘export or die’: we choose export.”

The business delegation is made up of representatives from a wide range of sectors including fishing, forestry, agribusiness, education, food and beverage, investment and banking. The delegation is part of an ongoing strategy supported by Te Puni Kōkiri to strengthen trade relationships with China.

“Some of our largest Māori-owned farms, iconic tourism ventures and other innovative businesses are joining us – at no small expense to themselves,” said Dr Sharples.

Atihau Whanganui Incorporation Board of Directors members Whatarangi Murphy-Peehi and Abe Hepi, were named in the delegation by Dr Sharples today.

ENDS

For more information: http://www.atihau.com/

Media contact: Andrew Robb 029- 482 8494 or 04- 817 6772