26 January 2018
MEDIA RELEASE
Australian Indigenous Business Delegation Arrives
The Australian High Commission is delighted to be welcoming a delegation of senior Australian Indigenous business
leaders to New Zealand from 28 January to 3 February. The purpose of the visit is to learn from the successes and
experiences of the Māori economy and to to build linkages between Australian and New Zealand Indigenous business for
mutual benefit.
“First Australians and Māori communities have a lot in common. This visit will help to build closer ties through the
sharing of experiences, knowledge and successes to further trade and economic opportunities for both sides,” said Acting
Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Cumpston.
While in New Zealand, the delegation will meet with Māori Ministers and MPs, local and central government, iwi and Māori
businesses in Wellington, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland.
“There are approximately 16,000 indigenous-owned businesses in Australia, earning more than $1 billion a year, and
growing at over 12 per cent per year,” Mr Cumpston says. “While that doesn’t match the substantial Māori economy, it’s a
firm basis for opening up export and collaboration opportunities on both sides of the Tasman”.
The delegation will also take part in a working group under the auspices of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum,
which aims to establish an Indigenous Business Sector Group to provide ongoing benefit to the wider Indigenous business
sector in both countries.
ENDS