Recently, Dubai hosted a visit from Queen Te Arikinui Kqueen Nga Wai Hono E To Po the Eighth, marking her first official reception of an international delegation. During this visit, a vibrant export initiative led by Māori kiwi producers was launched.
This visit signifies the Queen’s initial international efforts directed at enhancing the Māori economy, as she formally steps out of a year-long mourning period following the passing of her father, King Kīngi Tuheitia Pootatau Weriweri VII.
Having assumed her role as “Te Arikinui” in September 2024 at the young age of 27, the Queen delivered her inaugural national speech last month in New Zealand.
Queen Te Kween has expressed her determination to foster ongoing growth and prosperity for the Māori economy and is committed to pursuing economic self-determination for her people.
The timing of the delegation’s visit to the UAE holds strategic importance, coinciding with the implementation of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between New Zealand and the UAE, which came into effect on August 28. This landmark agreement is the first to include a dedicated section for collaboration with Indigenous peoples, including the Māori, along with a unique clause that preserves New Zealand’s obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, the foundational document of the nation’s partnership.
The official launch of the pilot marketing initiative by Māori Kiwi Fruit Growers Limited in Dubai serves as the first practical application of this historic clause, emphasizing the UAE’s role as a bridge to empower Indigenous peoples to access global markets.
Rokumawana Schafhausen, spokesperson for the visiting delegation, stated, “Te Arikinui proudly supports Māori enterprises and Indigenous entrepreneurship. We recognize trade as not merely an economic activity but as a rich legacy deeply tied to our identity and culture across the generations.”
She further noted, “In this context, we view the launch of our pilot marketing project led by Māori kiwi growers in the UAE as a significant and strategic step. We are delighted to support the introduction of this initiative to promote Māori kiwi farmers in the UAE.”
Under the cooperative marketing agreement with Zespri, a leading global kiwi exporter, Māori Kiwi Fruit Growers Limited will handle the marketing of ten containers of kiwifruit in the UAE, in collaboration with New Zealand-based Mr. Apple, a top fruit export company.
The proceeds from this venture will be reinvested into training and capacity-building programs for Māori farmers in rural New Zealand, which is the heart of the horticulture industry.
Cultural Identity
According to Jeff Rolleston, Chair of Māori Kiwi Fruit Growers Limited, “This effort goes beyond simply dealing with fruit; it is about nurturing a legacy across generations, protecting cultural identity, and fostering growth led by Indigenous peoples. We take pride in standing with our Māori Queen as she steps from Australia onto the global stage here in the UAE.”
This pivotal visit, backed by the Māori Queen, follows the inclusion of Māori Kiwi Fruit Growers Limited as a finalist in the “Excellence in Māori Exporting” category at the New Zealand International Business Awards 2025 on September 23, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring a sustainable legacy for Māori landowners.