Rawiri Waititi MP, Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Culture and Heritage, and Economic Development is travelling to China this week to attend the 13th China International Folk Arts Festival (CIFAF) at Foshan Municipality, Guangdong Province, alongside his kapa, Te Taumata o Apanui.

The invitation was extended by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC), one of China’s leading cultural institutions promoting artistic and cultural exchange between nations.

“This kaupapa is about strengthening cultural ties and building relationships founded on shared respect, creativity, and indigenous identity” said Waititi.

“As Māori, our art, our reo, and our stories connect us to the world. This is a unique opportunity to stand proudly as Tangata Whenua on the global stage, not only to showcase who we are, but to build bridges for future cultural and economic exchange.”

Rawiri will also be attending hui in Beijing to engage with officials, business representatives, and members of the Aotearoa community in China. These meetings will focus on strengthening foreign affairs and economic development relationships between Māori and China, aligned with Te Pāti Māori’s kaupapa of self-determination in our international relationships.

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