The headline said “Sharples brokers deals in China for Maori” but the story told of a possible wine distribution deal and hope for a possible future deal with the China Development Bank. The curious aspect of the trade delegation that Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples reported on to 3 News was that it was a Maori-only affair.
Maori groups with investments in forestry, including CNI Investments, Federation of Maori Authorities, Poutama Trust and the Maori Trustee, met executives from China Forest Group. Representatives of Aotearoa Fisheries, Ngai Tahu Fisheries and Ngati Kahungunu were also part of the trade mission.
