Summit going from 'strength to strength'

WELCOME: Henry Puna, Prime Minister of Cook Islands, at the Taniwha Dragon Economic Summit at Clubs Hastings, Hastings. PHOTO DUNCAN BROWN

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana said the Taniwha Dragon Summit is going from strength to strength, with several deals done and more in the making on the Summit's second and final day at Clubs Hastings.

Deals included more than $50 million for a fruit packing facility and Shanghai Fisheries were looking to invest $20 million over the next two years, he said.

A Chinese company wished to order $20 million worth of salmon, which he was trying to organise, and Northland iwi Ngati Kahu wished for a joint $3 million venture in a fishing boat with Ngati Kahungunu.

Today's speakers included Shanghai Pengxin president of investment Terry Lee. He said there was a natural affinity between Maori and Chinese.

"Someone told me they think Maori is easier to learn than English," he said.

"Maybe it is because we are relatives."

The failure to receive government permission to buy Lochinvar Station near Taupo showed it was going to be "very difficult" to buy land in New Zealand and a way forward was joint ventures.

The following Summit presentation was from Miraka, a dairy company Shanghai Pengxin uses to process UHT milk from former Crafar farms for export to China.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Cumpston said Australia and New Zealand were strategic partners for trade with China.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna said his nation was open for business and outlined several opportunities for growth, emphasising the potential of its fisheries.