The Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Cooperation – known as ANZTEC – contains a chapter on Cooperation on Indigenous Issues. 

Under this chapter, Te Puni Kōkiri and the Council of Indigenous Peoples meet annually to discuss measures to enhance economic, cultural, and people-to-people contacts.

Ancient trade routes and the migration of peoples across the Pacific Ocean link Māori and the indigenous peoples of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to a common ancestry. This provides a foundation from which both sides can explore new ways to harness the full benefit of ANZTEC for indigenous communities.

Since the ANZTEC came into force on 1 December 2013, there has been growing interest from indigenous enterprises in each other’s markets. 

The Council of Indigenous Peoples and Te Puni Kōkiri discussed a broad range of issues, including trade and economic cooperation, indigenous/tribal tourism, and their ongoing indigenous language revitalisation journey.

Connections between indigenous peoples in the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu and Māori continue to go from strength to strength.

Media Statement issued by Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development) and Council of Indigenous Peoples.