The Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po VIII, attended her first international trade delegation reception in Dubai at Jumeirah Emirates Towers last night (2 October), marking a significant milestone for indigenous enterprise with the launch of a bold new export initiative led by Māori kiwifruit growers.
The occasion in the UAE represents the Queen’s first overseas visit focused on advancing the Māori economy and follows her emergence from a year of mourning after the passing of her father, Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII. Kuini Nga wai hono i te po assumed the role of Te Arikinui (monarch) in September last year at the age of 27 and delivered her first national address in New Zealand only last month. In her address, Te Kuini Māori (The Māori Queen) outlined her commitment to ensuring that the Māori economy grows and thrives while upholding the pursuit of self-determination through Māori economic development.
The timing of the delegation’s visit to the UAE is particularly notable as a dedicated indigenous chapter was included in the recently ratified New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect on 28 August this year.
The trade agreement incorporates both a cooperation chapter for Māori and other Indigenous Peoples and a specific exception clause to safeguard obligations under New Zealand’s founding partnership document, the Treaty of Waitangi. The official launch of Māori Kiwifruit Growers Ltd’s collaborative marketing pilot in the UAE, held during last night’s reception, represents a landmark first test of this groundbreaking indigenous chapter.
Kiingitanga spokesperson, Rukumoana Schaafhausen, said Te Arikinui is honoured to champion Māori enterprise and indigenous trade: “Trade and enterprise is in our DNA and a part of our culture, so we are delighted to tautoko (support) the launch of Māori Kiwifruit Growers’ marketing pilot in the UAE.”
As part of a collaborative marketing partnership with leading exporter Zespri, Māori Kiwifruit Growers Ltd (MKGL) will receive a fee for marketing 10 containers of fruit in the UAE in collaboration with New Zealand’s established fruit exporter Mr Apple. MKGL plans to reinvest these earnings into training and capability-building for Māori growers in the horticultural heartlands of rural New Zealand.
“This is about more than fruit,” said MKGL chair Geoff Rolleston. “It’s about intergenerational prosperity, cultural integrity, and Indigenous-led growth, and we take such pride in being able to stand alongside our Kuini Māori as she steps outside of Australasia onto the global stage to support the Māori economy here in the UAE; a nation known for protecting and ensuring the prosperity of its people.”
This historic visit, highlighted by the strong support of the Māori Queen, follows MKGL’s recognition as a finalist in the Māori Excellence in Export category at the New Zealand International Business Awards 2025 on 23 September and underscores a renewed commitment to securing a sustainable future for Māori landowners.
