Chile mission will promote indigenous perspectives

The Minister for Maori Development Hon Nanaia Mahuta will travel to Chile for four days this month following an invitation to be the keynote speaker at an indigenous women’s conference in Santiago on 14 March.

The Minister will share the experience and value of Māori economic and social development and promote links between Aotearoa and Chile on indigenous issues and collaborative opportunities.

This is an important follow up to recognition given by both countries’ leaders during President Piñera’s visit in November last year to indigenous cooperation as an important area for future bilateral collaboration.

“This is an exciting opportunity to champion New Zealand’s leadership in addressing indigenous rights and interests. I can showcase the vital leadership role that wahine play in these areas in Aotearoa.

“Close to my heart is the chance to engage with representatives of the people of Rapa Nui the Polynesian tangata whenua of Chile. I will be talking to them in Santiago. I also look forward to meeting with members of the Mapuche population, the largest indigenous population of Chile,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

The Minister will be naming a pou whakairo in central Santiago carved by the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and given to Chile at the time of the visiting Tuku Iho exhibition in 2015.

“I will also be discussing with Chile our shared ambition to focus APEC economies’ attention on indigenous issues. Chile is this year’s APEC host.

“This trip is a significant opportunity to share with the Chilean government the experience in Aotearoa of the value that indigenous perspectives can bring to policy development,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

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