Trade is a fast-paced, ever-evolving sector and, as Te Taumata can attest, organisations need to be agile and forward-thinking to make the most of trade opportunities as they arise.

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise has recently taken stock of its strategy and service delivery, making a number of changes so it can continue supporting New Zealand companies internationally and the Government’s COVID-19 Trade Recovery Strategy – all for the good of Aotearoa.

Some key NZTE updates – that Māori trade organisations will also benefit from, include:

• More ‘boots on the ground’ in key international markets while travel is restricted.
• An increased International Growth Fund of $60 million – double what it was before the pandemic. This fund allows NZTE to co-invest in international growth projects.
• Access to fully funded digital clinics and digital coaching, recognising the rapid expansion of e-commerce.
• One-to-one market research that supports customers with market selection.
• An increase in the size of NZTE’s Māori team and customised access to services in recognition of the important and growing role the Māori economy plays.
• A range of bespoke services to meet individual company needs, including: supply chain advisory, sustainability, business continuity, introduction to exporting, governance, and sales.

NZTE has also reorganised its internal structure to support these developments, including:

• Moving to more sector-focused teams, allowing customer managers to develop deeper knowledge, insights and networks relevant to their customers.
• Three broad sector groupings, led by a Head of Sector, to align with customer-facing people in international markets. These are food, beverage and consumer goods; manufacturing; and tech and services.
• The appointment of Clare Wilson as NZTE’s General Manager of International.

Even though 36 of NZTE’s 41 overseas offices are still either closed or only partially open due to COVID, its international team is committed to providing businesses with the wrap-around support that we all need to succeed.

Te Taumata continues to advocate and be the voice for Māori businesses in the international trade sector. We support agencies like NZTE that are adapting their services in a post-COVID environment to best support those companies doing the mahi on the ground.